Amid the global democratic crisis, it is crucial to address the various challenges associated with democratization and political change. In particular, the post-pandemic election cycles have highlighted ongoing issues related to political party laws, election advertising regulations, fake news legislation, and rules governing political donations, all of which have negatively impacted the pursuit of free and fair elections. In most national elections held to date—though with some exceptions—we have witnessed the resurgence and rise of authoritarian tendencies and elites with troubling governance records, which hinder the establishment or transition to substantive democracy. One significant contributing factor to the above-mentioned outcomes is the presence of hybrid regimes that maintain tight control over the media, the election process, and the broader political landscape. Additionally, women candidates have faced harassment and physical threats during campaigns, while opposition members have encountered intimidation and legal actions on charges of foreign interference. The looming threats of military involvement, regime-change uprisings, or election annulments by biased election authorities have further suppressed democratic elections. Recognizing the range of critical issues to explore, this conference seeks to examine both the opportunities and challenges facing democracy in the contemporary world. It aims to explore why, despite the frequent occurrence of elections at various levels, these elections often lead to illiberal outcomes. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise in varied disciplines such as Law, History, Economics, Political Science, and International Relations, the conference seeks to confront and address a series of conceptual and policy-relevant challenges that are associated with reviving and reclaiming democracy. The conference will investigate whether democratic processes globally are promoting democracy or enabling authoritarian consolidation. Guided by an understanding of the complex, multidimensional nature of democratic erosion, the event will delve into the following themes: