Similar to elections and other democratic processes, the global COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on international election observation. In this podcast we discuss the changing nature of international election observation during and beyond the pandemic. Will election observation ever go back to the old normal? How was election observation changing even before the pandemic struck? Is the pandemic changing radically what was done or simply accelerating changes that were already underway?

Host: Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of International IDEA 

Guests: 

• Gerardo de Icaza, Director of the Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation, Organisation of American States
• Patrick Costello, Head Of Global 3 Division, Democracy and Electoral Observation, European External Action Service

Mark McDowell, International IDEA's Country Director in Myanmar talks to Parvinder Singh, Senior Programme Manager - Elections at International IDEA Myanmar about his experience providing technical advice to the National Election Commission of Liberia during the elections of 2014, in the shadow of the nation's Ebola pandemic. 

 Host: Mark McDowell, International IDEA's Myanmar Country Director

International IDEA’s Director for Asia and the Pacific Leena Rikkila Tamang spoke with lawyer Janet Pang about Hong Kong’s innovative protest methods in times of COVID-19 and about preparations for the September legislative council elections. 

This podcast was recorded on the eve of China’s legislature passing the security law to cover Hong Kong.

Has the coronavirus, aside from having severe consequences for public health and the economy, also been detrimental for democracy? And if so, should we expect passing side effects or permanent damage? 

In this podcast Dr Staffan I. Lindberg, the Director and Principal Investigator for Varieties of Democracy Institute at the University of Gothenburg and Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora, the Secretary-General of International IDEA, are discussing, deliberating and debating about the short and long-term effects of the coronavirus on democracy. 

Host: Adina Trunk, Special Adviser to International IDEA's Secretary-General

International IDEA’s Director of Global Programs Laura Thornton talks to Justin Wein, chief of staff of U.S. Congressman David Price about ways in which their office has adapted in the COVID-19 environment. 

How have they conducted outreach, adjusted their communications strategy, managed casework, and participated in legislative activities and committee meetings? 

Host: Laura Thornton, Director of Global Programs at International IDEA