Eighty Countries Postpone Elections Due to COVID-19

The Covid-19 pandemic affected the holding of general elections (elections) in various countries. Many other countries were concerned about the spread of the coronavirus if they proceeded with general elections.

The electoral process, involving many people, became a concern regarding the spread of the coronavirus, especially with the widespread Delta and Omicron variants.

A report by the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) mentions that, from February 21, 2020, to February 21, 2022, 80 countries and territories had decided to postpone national and regional elections due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Europe was the continent with the most countries postponing elections during the pandemic, reaching 26 countries or 32.6% of the total European countries. This was followed by Asia Pacific and the Americas, which both had 18 countries postponing elections.

However, some countries still held elections during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as the parliamentary elections in Iran (February 21, 2020), the presidential elections in Peru (April 11, 2021), the elections in Costa Rica (February 6, 2022), and others.

(Read More: Results of Three Surveys: Majority of People Reject Election Postponement)