THE IMPACT OF COVID 19 OVER THE ELECTIONS IN EUROPE: SIGNIFICANT, BUT NOT DEADLY

Abstract

The fear that holding elections could contribute to the further spread of Covid-19, contributed to postponing 22 election processes in Europe during the first part of 2020. All the postponed elections due to Covid-19 were eventually held at different time intervals, even though their organization was difficult and followed by great number of special Covid-19 protocols. Still, European countries, despite all the difficulties, successfully conducted electoral processes during 2020 and 2021. It is true that it was difficult to organize the elections and that the voter turnout was declined, yet the flexibility and activity of the European governments has contributed to the conduct of elections, while keeping the democratic processes running in Europe. In this regard, the aim of the paper will be to analyze the decisions taken during Covid-19 in regards to the organization of elections in Europe, as well as the impact of Covid-19 on the turnout and overall outcome of the held elections.