US added to list of 'backsliding' democracies for first time

The US has joined an annual list of "backsliding" democracies for the first time, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) said on Monday. A report released by the Stockholm-based intergovernmental organisation claimed more than one in four people live in a backsliding democracy. The pandemic has led to a surge in authoritarian behaviour by governments, it added.