Extreme weather events and geological hazards are increasingly posing a challenge to democratic processes. The new report “Managing natural hazards and climate risks in elections” by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) analyses over 100 cases from 2006 to 2025 in which elections were disrupted by events such as storms, floods, heatwaves or earthquakes. The analysis shows that such hazards can affect all phases of the electoral cycle – from preparation and the election campaign through to voting and the counting of votes.
Particular emphasis is placed on the strategies of electoral management bodies (EMBs) that have developed measures worldwide to maintain electoral processes even under difficult conditions. These include, for example, flexible adjustments to polling stations, contingency plans for staff and infrastructure, and targeted communication strategies. The analysis is supplemented by 13 in-depth case studies from six continents, which summarise specific experiences and “lessons learned”.
The report makes it clear that managing natural and climate risks is increasingly a matter of democratic stability – and that forward-looking planning and institutional adaptability can strengthen resilient electoral systems.
Learn more here.
Click here to download the report directly.
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