Page 183 - Conducting Elections during COVID-19

ROLE PLAYED BY INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTION 165

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

IFES COVID-19 Briefing Series
IFES is tracking the impact of the pandemic on elections around the world, and providing election
management bodies and other partners the information they need to plan and execute safe and credible
elections; how to navigate the legal complexities involved in postponing or cancelling mandated
elections; and understand the setbacks to human rights and mitigate the disproportionate impact of
the pandemic on the political participation of people with disabilities.

“The COVID-19 crisis has exacted a devastating
toll on human lives, economies and health
systems around the world. It also is a dangerous
time for democracy.”

-IFES President and CEO Anthony N. Banbury

“Holding elections amid public health crises is possible, but considerable planning is needed to avoid
exacerbating an already dire situation.”
In the IFES COVID-19 Briefing Series, IFES has identified seven fundamental areas of concern for
democracy and governance:
Chaotic elections and a decline in trust in electoral outcomes

Disorganized polls, dampened turnout and declines in trust in electoral results are all likely outcomes
when sufficient information on holding elections safely during a public health crisis is not available.

Disruption in the rule of law
Deadlines for political transitions are often embedded in democratic laws or constitutions, and many of
these documents are silent on continuity of governance in the event of a crisis. This silence is fraught;
it can lead to confusion, contention and manipulation.

Erosion of information integrity
The pandemic provides near-endless fodder for viral misinformation, disinformation and hate speech
campaigns, all of which threaten the franchise and undermine faith in democracy and its institutions.
Looming barriers to political access

Individuals who are marginalised because of their gender, disability, age, displacement, ethnicity
or other identifiers face new and magnified challenges in a public health crisis. Barriers to political
participation can have lasting ramifications, silencing diverse voices and stifling equality of opportunity.
Explosion in technology reliance and exploitation

A burgeoning reliance on technology throughout the democratic electoral process may open new
apertures for manipulation or system failure, further eroding trust in electoral processes and outcomes.
Abuses of public sector trust and resources

The impartial use of government power and resources for the public good is an essential component
of public sector integrity. In a crisis, especially when emergency powers have been invoked, there are
increased risks of abuse of power for personal or political gain.