The rise of electoral democracy

Electoral democracy has expanded significantly over the past two centuries, transforming how countries choose their leaders.

In the late 18th century, most leaders inherited power through monarchy or were selected by elite groups without elections.

By 2025, 165 out of 199 countries had both elected parliaments and governments, a stark contrast to just two countries (the United Kingdom and the United States) in the 1700s.

This shift reflects a global trend where elections replaced inheritance and force as the primary method of leadership selection.

However, progress has not been linear; setbacks occurred during World War II and the early 1970s.

Recent years have seen a decline from a peak of 176 electoral countries in 2016, with military coups and civil wars in places like Afghanistan and Niger reversing gains.

Despite these challenges, the dominance of elections over other methods remains a defining feature of modern governance.