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Head of the executive chosen through multiparty elections

Name: Head of the executive chosen through multiparty elections
Creator: V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy), version 16 – via Our World in Data

What this indicator measures

Indicates, according to V-Dem, whether the head of the executive (president or head of government) is chosen in multiparty elections, either directly or by a parliament that is itself elected this way. It does not say whether these elections are free and fair.

How to read this?

"Executive from multiparty elections" means that the head of government is chosen by elections in which several parties compete; otherwise they are appointed in another way.

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173countries with data

2025data year(s)

In brief

Head of the executive chosen through multiparty elections: 173 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Executive from multiparty elections : 141 ; Executive not from multiparty elections : 32.

Why this indicator matters

Knowing how the head of the executive is chosen helps distinguish countries where several parties can compete for power from those where they cannot. It is a basic criterion for comparing political regimes.

What makes this indicator vary

The method of selection depends on political history and the type of regime: presidential, parliamentary, monarchic or other. Democratic transitions, coups and constitutional reforms can change it.

Reading precautions

This V-Dem indicator records the presence of multiparty elections, not their quality. Elections can exist without being free or fair. It relies on expert assessments, which involve some interpretation.