COVID-19 Global Roundup: Postponed elections perplex domestic politics

As the global pandemic continues to rage across the world, efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus have now extended to taking far-reaching steps that may, as some would argue, deeply impact the very bedrock of democratic institutions. 

Concerns that throngs of people heading to the polls would run entirely opposite to "social distancing" have materalized decisions to postpone upcoming elections, whether municipal-, state-level or nationwide, in some countries. 

But as consequential as it sounds, deferral of elections due to health crisis is not unprecedented. In 2018, the Ebola outbreak pushed the Democratic Republic of Congo to delay its presidential race. In 2001, the UK general election was pushed back because of the spread of foot and mouth disease across the country.

On top of the overriding role that coronavirus fears retain in the discourse regarding electoral deferalls, the low voter turnout is, among other considerations, another vital component that determines the future course of elections. The February parliamentary election in Iran saw low turnout amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The impact of pushing back elections could be tremendous, especially on sophisticated, gigantic democracies with intricate electoral rules as well as divergent voices addressing the subject.

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