Democratic systems are facing a growing threat from the climate crisis, with new analysis from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) documenting how elections are increasingly shaped not only by political forces but also by floods, wildfires, and extreme weather. Over the last two decades, at least 94 elections and referendums across 52 countries have been disrupted by climate-related impacts, highlighting a global trend of environmental interference in electoral processes.

As risks intensify, pressure on already fragile democratic systems, particularly in Africa and Asia, is forecast to grow. In 2024 alone, these hazards disrupted 23 elections in 18 countries, including Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Senegal, either by damaging infrastructure, displacing voters, or precipitating last-minute changes to electoral procedures. For instance, flooding during Senegal's parliamentary election in November 2024 required firefighters to assist in transporting election observers to polling stations.

Heatwaves represent another recurring problem, with at least 10 elections since 2022 affected by very hot weather. Among them was the general election in the Philippines last year, where intense heat caused some vote-counting machines to overheat on election day and eject previously accepted ballots. Heat is a particular threat to elections in the world's megacities with populations over 10 million; the Nigerian city of Lagos now experiences 89 days a year where local temperatures are significantly above pre-climate change levels.

To help mitigate the impact of extreme climate events, the report advocates for election organizers to work closely with meteorological experts, environmental protection bodies, and disaster relief and humanitarian agencies. For example, election staff in Peru have received training in disaster risk management to respond to disruptions on voting day. Next year, the Alberta provincial legislature in Canada will move its traditional election date in May to October to avoid the wildfire season.

Ferran Martínez i Coma, a professor of government at Australia's Griffith University, emphasized the importance of preparation: "As natural hazards increase, training and contingency planning is more important than ever. Preparation is key to the integrity and resilience of the elections."

Source: www.theguardian.com