Election delay: public support for postponing elections during public health crises

Is it democratic to postpone elections under an emergency situation? Considering the fact that 80 countries around the world postponed elections, this study takes a rare look at citizens’ attitudes toward election delay during a crisis time (the COVID-19 pandemic). Using nationally representative survey data from 15 African countries, this study examines factors influencing attitudes toward postponing elections. The findings suggest that democratic concerns and health concerns have both opposing and interacting effects. Those who value democracy tend to oppose postponing elections, whereas those who perceive a greater threat from the pandemic tend to support postponing elections. Further, the effects of democratic support on favoring election delay depend on the level of perceived threat of the pandemic. The findings offer implications for handling elections during times of crisis in the future.