Elections in COVID-19 times

Several countries, including India, have successfully conducted polls during COVID-19 with safety measures in place.

Elections during COVID-19 presents certain challenges. However, postponing elections may not be the appropriate option as it has following risks:

• Political risks: disturbing the level playing field and undermining the incumbent or opposition;
• Reputational risks, for an organization that makes decisions, for trust in democratic processes and institutions
• Financial risks: budgetary implications, e.g. money invested that cannot be recovered;
• Operational risks: alternative dates are not feasible because of other risks, e.g. extension of term, other events;
• Legal risks: the decision can be legally challenged

Challenges faced in elections during COVID-19:

• Campaigning: large rallies can spread the virus. Virtual campaigning through social and print media and radio will have to suffice. This will raise the cost of campaigning, exclude the poor and indigent, further favoring those with access to finance and technology
• Polling stations: find workers to man them and to provide protective gear and sanitizer at such a large scale
• Preparedness of electoral management bodies (EMBs): movement and contact is constrained with increased administrative and logistical work necessary to hold elections during COVID-19.
• Effect on turnout: reducing turnout.
• Impediments on Transparency: monitored by domestic and international observer groups to ensure the processes are lawful and meet the requirements for an election conducted with integrity.

Measures for conducting elections during COVID-19

• Political consensus in sustaining decisions made on the electoral calendar and procedures to avoid political friction and not undermining the legitimacy of the electoral result.
• Special Voting Arrangements and enabling various modalities to cast the vote.
• Adopt measures that reduce the risks of contagion like availability of masks and other protective materials, to the opening of more voting centers and the extension of the voting period.
• Voter education should reach all genders.

Key measures announced by Election Commission for Bihar elections

• COVID-19 patients were also allowed to take part in the democratic exercise by extending voting time by one hour.
• Number of voters per booth was restricted (to 1000 persons) so that social distancing norms are followed
• Postal ballot facility was provided wherever required and requested
• Nomination forms were made available online, apart from offline.
• There were restrictions on door-to-door campaigning. The ECI said only five, including the candidate, will be allowed for door-to-door campaign.

Best Practices on elections during COVID-19

• New Zealand: Alternative voting arrangements being considered are extending the online service for voting; extending the telephone dictation voting service; offering proxy voting and postal voting and expanding the use of mobile ballot boxes
• South Korea: special polling stations for COVID patients, postal voting and early voting, political agreements on electoral calendar and procedures etc.