Percentage of Pakistanis who ‘strongly agree’ that democracy is the best system of governance, despite its flaws, has plummeted from 40% in 2007 to 17% in 2024: Gallup Survey

ISLAMABAD, Oct 24 (SABAH): According to a survey conducted by Gallup & Gilani Pakistan, trust in democracy as the best form of governance has declined significantly, with only 17% of respondents strongly agreeing in 2024 in response to the question, “Do you agree or disagree with the statement, ‘Democracy may have its flaws, but it is the best system of governance?’ When asked the same question in 2007, as high as 40% had expressed a similar opinion. Gallup Pakistan has asked nationally representative samples of adult men and women about their views on democracy for nearly two decades, revealing a growing skepticism toward its effectiveness as a governing system.

Comparative Picture: In 2024, 17% of respondents said they strongly agree; 21% somewhat agree; 15% neither agree nor disagree; 14% disagree; 19% strongly disagree; and 14% gave no response.

Trend Analysis: The survey data reveals notable changes over the years. In 2007, 40% of respondents strongly agreed, while 27% somewhat agreed; 13% disagreed, and 9% strongly disagreed, with 10% giving no response. By 2009, those who strongly agreed dropped to 36%, and somewhat agreeing increased to 37%, while 15% disagreed and 3% strongly disagreed; 9% did not respond.

In 2011, support continued to decline, with only 27% strongly agreeing and 38% somewhat agreeing; 16% disagreed, and 8% strongly disagreed, with 10% not responding. The trend saw a temporary return in 2014, where 40% strongly agreed and 27% somewhat agreed; however, 13% disagreed and 14% strongly disagreed, with 6% giving no response. By 2023, support for democracy significantly declined, with only 20% strongly agreeing and 18% somewhat agreeing; 10% chose neither agree nor disagree, 14% disagreed, 24% strongly disagreed, and 14% did not answer. In 2024 the trend continued, with 17% strongly agreeing, 21% somewhat agreeing, 15% neither agreeing nor disagreeing, 14% disagreeing, and 19% strongly disagreeing, while 14% did not respond.

This data suggests growing skepticism about democracy as the best governance, reflecting a shift in public perception over time. The fluctuating responses indicate a need for further exploration of the factors influencing these opinions, as confidence in democratic governance appears to wane.

Gilani Research Foundation is a not-for-profit public service project to provide social science research to students, academia, policymakers, and concerned citizens in Pakistan and across the globe.

Gilani Research Foundation is headed by Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani who pioneered the field of opinion polling in Pakistan and established Gallup Pakistan in 1980. Currently, Dr. Gilani, who holds a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has taught at leading universities in Pakistan and abroad, is Chairman of Gallup Pakistan.

Disclaimer: Gallup Pakistan is not related to Gallup Inc. headquartered in Washington D.C. USA. We require that our surveys be credited fully as Gallup Pakistan (not Gallup or Gallup Poll). We disclaim any responsibility for surveys pertaining to Pakistani public opinion except those carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International Association. For details on the Gallup International

Association see website: www.gallup-international.com