Unjust election timing

Nature

An election may be timed to suit the ambitions of a ruling party, and there may be inconvenient polling hours. In agricultural countries, the season during sowing or harvest is an unsuitable time for elections; in industrialized countries, holiday periods are unsuitable. At other times of the year, insufficient polling time may be allowed after a working day. Ruling parties may choose an unsuitable election time if they think it will be to their advantage, or they may choose a time when national problems are temporarily abated.

Incidence

Unjust election timing has been reported in various countries, particularly in emerging democracies and states with weak institutional checks. According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, between 2010 and 2022, at least 15 national elections worldwide were rescheduled or called unexpectedly in ways that favored incumbent governments, often limiting opposition preparedness and voter engagement. Such practices are most frequently observed in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.
A notable example occurred in Turkey in 2018, when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called snap presidential and parliamentary elections 17 months ahead of schedule. Critics argued this move disadvantaged opposition parties, who had insufficient time to organize effective campaigns.

Claim

Unjust election timing undermines the very foundation of democracy. When elections are scheduled to favor certain parties or suppress voter turnout, it erodes public trust and disenfranchises citizens. This manipulation distorts the electoral process, allowing those in power to maintain control while silencing dissenting voices. Every citizen deserves a fair opportunity to participate in shaping their government. We must demand transparency and equity in election timing to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions.

Counter-claim

Unjust election timing is a trivial concern that distracts from far more pressing issues facing our society. Voter engagement, policy effectiveness, and civic education should take precedence over the timing of elections. Focusing on when elections occur diverts attention from the real challenges of governance and representation. Instead of nitpicking about schedules, we should unite to strengthen our democratic processes and ensure that every voice is heard, regardless of when elections are held.