Tand while governments around the world are struggling to contain the Covid-19 epidemic and doing everything possible to protect public health, democracy is in danger in many countries. Some hard-won rights are sidelined by emergency measures, elections postponed until further notice or organized under problematic conditions, and weakened fundamental freedoms.
Since the beginning of March, more than 50 countries and territories have postponed their elections due to the crisis, according to the International Institute for Democracy. Although this decision may be justified in the context of the pandemic, some countries have postponed their elections based on health emergency laws instead of going through the constitutional political channels and stipulated by international standards, and this without always agree on the process for setting a new election date.
Conversely, nineteen countries and territories maintained their elections in difficult circumstances, which, for some, could discredit the democratic integrity, even the legality of the said elections. Indeed, an election characterized by staff limited to polling stations, closed offices, a very low turnout and minimal, if any, independent observation, can be as compromised as an election that is postponed indefinitely.
The countries which have to organize elections in the coming months face a major challenge. In addition to taking drastic measures to prevent the spread of the virus, they must ensure that their citizens can fully participate in the electoral process. The situation makes it difficult to hold political meetings, debates, register voters and manage rallies on polling day.
Proportionate measures
Many difficult questions are posed to the citizens and leaders of these countries: can we organize elections and the processes upstream, without putting lives in danger? Will it suffice to put in place additional precautions at polling stations, or will it be necessary to make more radical, sometimes controversial, changes to the electoral procedure?
These complex issues involve our fundamental rights, the integrity of our democracies and the legitimacy of our governments. The answers will depend on the legal, political and public health context of each state, and will likely require difficult compromises.
You have 68.53% of this article to read. The suite is reserved for subscribers.
