Extreme weather a growing threat to elections, democracy: Report
A report by International IDEA found that extreme weather has disrupted at least 94 elections and referendums in 52 countries over the past two decades, with 26 elections postponed due to natural disasters. The report calls for countries to include electoral processes in their national climate adaptation plans.
Extreme weather is increasingly threatening democracy, with at least 94 elections and referendums disrupted in 52 countries over the past two decades. Between 2006 and 2025, 26 elections were postponed due to natural disasters. In 2024, extreme weather disrupted 23 elections in 18 countries. Events like hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves damage infrastructure, displace voters, and force changes to electoral processes. The report suggests holding elections when disasters are least likely and considering alterations to election timelines. Countries are urged to include electoral processes in their national climate adaptation plans and disaster risk reduction strategies.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.