How is democracy typically measured?

Democracy is typically measured by evaluating the fairness of elections because fair elections are a fundamental aspect of a democratic system. In democratic societies, elections provide citizens with the opportunity to choose their representatives and express their political preferences freely. A key component of measuring democracy involves assessing whether elections are conducted impartially, whether there are equal opportunities for all candidates, and whether citizens can participate without fear of repression or manipulation.

Fair elections reflect the principles of political equality, where each vote has equal weight, and they are critical for ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people. Additionally, criteria like transparency in the electoral process and the integrity of electoral institutions also play vital roles in determining the health of a democracy. This focus on electoral fairness allows for a comparison of democratic systems across different nations, providing insight into how well a country upholds democratic values.