The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – Uruguay and Costa Rica are the most democratic Latin American nations, according to a report from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EUI).
The report published today highlights that Latin America “is unable to progress in democratization” and only two countries in the region – Uruguay and Costa Rica – qualify as “full democracies”.
The study used an index ranging from 0-10 on the state of liberal democracy in 165 independent states and two territories. Costa Rica had an index of 8.03, while Uruguay scored 8.17.
Countries are classified into four categories: full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid and authoritarian regimes.
The researchers assessed public access to the polls, electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, functionality of the government, political participation and political culture.
Coordinator for State of the Nation , Steffan Gómez, indicated that this report’s measurements confirm the fact that Costa Rica is a mature democracy.
Most of the countries in the region were established as “free and fair elections” and having respect for civil liberties. However, the democratic process is stalled, says the document.
The number one democratic nation is Norway, with a 9.93 and the least democratic country is North Korea, with an index of 1.08.
In Latin America, Cuba and Haiti received the worst rating with 3.82 and 3.52, respectively. (Amelia Rueda)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
