A report published Tuesday by an intergovernmental watchdog paints an alarming picture of the state of global democracy, showing that the quality of elections has declined around the world and losing candidates are rejecting outcomes with growing frequency, further eroding trust in electoral processes and institutions.

The Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) found in its annual report that last year was the worst the group has ever observed for “free and fair elections and parliamentary oversight.” It also marked the eighth consecutive year in which “overall democratic performance” declined rather than improved — the longest stretch since IDEA began collecting records in 1975.

“This report is a call for action to protect democratic elections,” Kevin........

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