Whalesbook
Extreme Weather Disrupts Global Elections
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) released a report on Earth Day 2026, finding that 94 elections in 52 countries have been significantly disrupted by extreme weather over the past two decades. India's electoral process is increasingly facing these climate challenges. Data from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) shows extreme weather events occurred nearly every day in 2022. The period from January to November 2025 saw the highest frequency in four years, highlighting a growing crisis.
India's Election Battles Intense Heat
During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, many regions experienced temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. The heat was deadly. At least 33 polling officials reportedly died from heat-related causes on the final voting day in one region. In 2019, Odisha saw voting in one constituency postponed due to extreme heat. The Election Commission of India has provided water, shaded areas, and medical kits, and developed disaster management plans. However, preparedness is uneven, with national guidance setting only basic requirements.
How Weather Events Delay Votes Worldwide
The report notes natural disasters have delayed at least 26 elections since 2006. In 2024 alone, 23 elections across 18 countries were affected by events like tropical storms, floods, heatwaves, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions. Sudden events like storms and floods are the most common cause, accounting for 67% of disruptions. Heatwaves contribute 9%, with earthquakes and wildfires each at 7%. These risks affect all nations, regardless of income level, highlighting the need for integrated climate adaptation strategies.
Building Climate Resilience for Elections
International IDEA stresses that protecting electoral integrity in a warming world means broadening the definition of credible elections to include physical safety, health, and climate resilience. The report calls for better coordination between election bodies and weather, environmental, and disaster agencies to use early warning systems. Electoral systems need to be formally integrated into national climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction plans to build long-term resilience. Secretary-General Kevin Casas-Zamora stated these are not distant threats but urgent realities for democratic institutions to confront.