Page 190 - Conducting Elections during COVID-19

172 INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS DURING COVID-19

Electoral and Resource Planning

Advance planning for elections normally takes into account the perceivable factors into consideration.
Election schedules are thereafter very meticulously drawn up for smooth operations. COVID-19 adds
a sudden high risk factor of uncertainty that demands amendments to the flow of operations at every
step in the electoral process. When scheduling elections, all dimensions of disease spread, stage of
outbreak, capacity of health care system and structure have to be seen. Processes and procedural
adjustments have to be made to reduce transmission risks; identify and procure extraordinary or
additional material, equipment and supplies; hire extraordinary or additional staff and monitoring of
potential supply chain disruptions has to be effectively carried out. Additional funds for COVID-19
safety material, equipment, personnel and processes have to be provided for. Procurement of additional
materials on account of Safety Protocols would require advance planning and efficient implementation.

Political Campaigns

Elections usually involve large, nationwide gatherings in the run up to the Election Day as also during
campaign rallies and voter registration drives. These events increase human-to-human contact and
the risks of direct and indirect disease transmission. Few election management bodies (EMBs) have
comprehensive plans in place to manage these activities amid widespread disease outbreaks, leading
to insufficient time, resources and information to make necessary adjustments and hold election
events safely when public health crises suddenly materialize.
Several EMBs that did decide to move forward with elections amid the crisis largely failed to address
public concerns about health, leading to low voter turnouts, credibility issues, poll worker dropouts and
even the infection of some electoral officials.
Some countries resorted to restricting campaigns through multimedia channels. However, there were
complaints of misuse as larger share of air time was consumed by party in power. Therefore observance
of codes of conduct is essential.

The campaigns may include integrate COVID-19 safety messaging and instructions for political
parties, candidates, civil society and media. EMBs, in consultation with the concerned authorities, may
issue guidelines on safety precautions for public rallies, debates and other gatherings
Codes of Conduct

Under COVID-19 conditions, the level playing ground for political parties may pose its own problems.
Party in power, armed with enhanced authority to enforce ‘lockdowns’ and other restrictions, is more
likely to misuse the power to its benefit. Therefore mechanisms to obviate such a situation have to be
brought in place. This can be done through effective enforcement of the Codes of Conduct. Political
consensus building within the ambit of laws may be of much use in such situations.
It may be prudent to include COVID-19 related issues in the codes of conduct to ensure COVID-19 safe
elections.
Postal Vote

Postal vote is a good alternative provided the legislative framework permits it. Many countries have in
built provisions for Postal Voting and it can be enhanced at the time of need. In the US Primaries, the
provision for postal vote has been extended as a COVID-19 safety measure. Proper SOP’s have been
prescribed by the Election Assistance Commission. There is surge Postal Vote in the US Primaries. US
has a well-established Postal Vote system for the citizens serving abroad.
Contrary to that when Postal Vote option was extended in Poland in the wake of COVID-19, it ran into
serious controversies and the Government had to relax the provisions for all-postal vote.
Election Laws

One of the important aspects of COVID-19 safety management is capacity of the extant legal and
legislative framework to quickly respond in a smooth , efficient manner for risks emanating from
situations like COVID-19. If there are pre existing provisions under law as a long term strategy, it is
easier to bring such provisions into operation. Amending elections laws during the crisis period has not
been found an easy option, and as such becomes counterproductive.