Almost half of the countries in the world are witnessing a decline in the democratic system, according to a benchmark report on democracy in the world released on Friday, which indicated the longest "democratic recession" this year.

Michael Rohde, who contributed to the report issued by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), said: "This is the sixth consecutive year that we are witnessing a decline in democracy instead of its advancement."

He added that this trend represents the longest "democratic recession" recorded by the organization since it began collecting data in 1975.

Also, in order to produce these reports and assess the state of democracies around the world, this organization, which covers most countries worldwide, uses various indicators such as civil liberties, judicial independence, and political participation.

The report showed that "the foundations of democracy are weakening worldwide," with problems "ranging from elections marred by violations to restricted rights."

Out of the 173 countries covered by the report, "85 experienced a decline in at least one key indicator of democratic performance in the past five years."

Regarding representation, the report pointed to a "significant decline," especially in the area of elections and the proper functioning of parliaments, and in the principle of the rule of law, including the independence of judicial systems.

Rohde said: "We are also witnessing a decline in traditional democracies in Europe, North America, and Asia."

An indicator of this wave of declining democratic systems globally is the coups that the African continent particularly witnessed.

Also in the field of rights, the report's authors stated that freedom of expression and freedom of assembly have declined.

Concerning the rule of law, they pointed to points of improvement "after years of declining levels of corruption," according to the report.

The report's authors concluded by saying: "We see signs of hope in isolated countries worldwide," as is the case in Central Europe and the African continent. But overall, the picture remains very negative."