Rising incidents of extreme weather driven by climate change are posing a growing challenge to democracy processes across the globe, with a new international report warning that elections are increasingly being shaped not just by political dynamics but also by environmental disruptions.
The analysis, conducted by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, has found that at least 94 elections and referendums in 52 countries over the past two decades have been affected by climate-related events such as floods, wildfires, heatwaves and storms. These disruptions have ranged from damaged infrastructure and logistical breakdowns to voter displacement and last-minute changes in election procedures.
The report highlights that the frequency and intensity of such events are increasing, placing additional pressure on democratic systems, particularly in regions where institutions are already fragile. Countries across Africa and Asia are among the most vulnerable, where limited resources and governance challenges compound the impact of climate shocks on electoral processes.
Recent data shows that in 2024 alone, at least 23 elections in 18 countries were disrupted by extreme weather events. These included nations such as Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Senegal, where environmental factors interfered with voting by damaging polling infrastructure, displacing communities, or forcing authorities to alter election timelines and procedures.
Specific incidents underline the scale of the challenge. In Mozambique, Cyclone Idai severely impacted the 2019 elections, while flooding in Senegal hindered the conduct of polls in 2024. Heatwaves have also emerged as a significant risk, with reports of voting machines malfunctioning due to high temperatures in countries like the Philippines. Such incidents demonstrate how both sudden disasters and prolonged climatic conditions can undermine the integrity and accessibility of elections.
Experts warn that as global temperatures continue to rise, these disruptions are likely to become more frequent, raising concerns about voter turnout, fairness, and the overall credibility of democratic systems. The growing overlap between climate vulnerability and political processes could deepen inequalities, particularly in developing nations where adaptation capacity is limited.
In response, the report calls for urgent measures to safeguard electoral systems against climate risks. Recommendations include rescheduling elections to avoid peak disaster periods, strengthening infrastructure resilience, and integrating climate risk assessments into election planning. Training election officials in emergency response and improving coordination with meteorological and disaster management agencies are also seen as critical steps.
Some governments have already begun adapting to these emerging threats. For instance, Alberta in Canada has reportedly adjusted its election schedule to avoid the peak wildfire season, reflecting a growing recognition of climate risks in governance planning.
The findings underline a broader concern that the climate crisis is not only an environmental issue but also a governance challenge with far-reaching implications. Without proactive adaptation and planning, experts caution that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events could undermine democratic stability, particularly in vulnerable regions, making climate resilience an essential component of future electoral integrity.
