Elections could destabilise central Andean states

Significance

All are suffering from uncertainties posed by the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, but also by social divides and institutional weaknesses. These pose major uncertainties as to possible outcomes.

Impacts

• Social media will play a key role in electioneering, especially in the battle for middle-class votes.
• There will be greater scrutiny than in the past on election funding.
• The advantages of incumbency will be few, especially given the difficulties of the pandemic.