by Toby James & Erik Asplund
"The COVID-19 pandemic has had huge implications for elections around the world in 2020. At least 70 countries and territories across the globe decided to postpone either national or subnational elections between 21 February and 31 August.
For democrats everywhere, these figures could be cause for serious concern. Elections are an essential aspect of the democratic process. They ensure that incumbent governments can be removed or have their mandate renewed.
There can be democratic and humanitarian reasons for postponing an election, however. Holding an election during a pandemic can lead to compromised election quality—and put human life at further risk. There has therefore been a genuine moral and political quandary about whether to proceed with scheduled elections."
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