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“Elections in Asia are not free and fair”

NEW DELHI: While a majority of people in Asia believe that democracy is the best system of government, more than half think that elections in their country are not free and fair, according to the findings of a global survey released here on Wednesday.

The survey results show that around the region nearly eight out of 10 surveyed (78 per cent) agree with the idea that democracy may have problems but it is the best system of government. Satisfaction with democracy overall is also prevalent in the region where seven of the 10 interviewees (73 per cent) declared themselves to be satisfied.

The “Voice of the People” survey was conducted on more than 60,000 people in 57 countries, including India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, by TNS and Gallup International.

Despite clear legitimacy of the democratic system, there was a strong criticism of its functioning across the region where on an average 53 per cent of people believe that elections are neither free nor fair. Nearly 61 per cent do not feel that their governments follow the will of the people when it comes to making decisions.

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