The field of research focuses on the state of democracy in Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe, particularly in the context of electoral outcomes. The European Union's political accession conditionality, known as the Copenhagen criteria, has historically required aspiring member countries to demonstrate stability in institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and minority protection. This framework has significantly influenced the political landscape in the region, leading to the accession of several countries into the EU. However, recent assertions by notable figures like Maria Ressa and Staffan Lindberg suggest that democracy is at a critical juncture, with 2024 being a pivotal year due to the number of elections and the challenging conditions under which they will occur. These conditions include internal crises such as political polarisation and populism, as well as external pressures like geopolitical conflicts and climate change. The current discourse raises questions about why elections, traditionally seen as celebrations of democracy, are now sources of concern among scholars. This highlights a gap in understanding the evolving nature of elections and their implications for democracy in the region.

This research topic aims to explore the complex dynamics of elections and their impact on democracy in Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe. The primary objective is to analyze the outcomes of the 2024 elections and their implications for democratic systems at both national and subnational levels. Key questions include how electoral results influence democratic erosion, backsliding, and hybridization, and what role these outcomes play in shaping EU institutions and policy agendas. The research will also investigate the governance of electoral processes and their effects on the fundamental rules and norms of politics. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to provide valuable insights into the current state and future trajectory of democracy in the region.

To gather further insights in the context of Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• The impact of 2024 election outcomes on national and subnational democratic systems.
• Analysis of democratic erosion, backsliding, and hybridization in the region.
• Influence of election results on EU institutions and policy agendas.
• Governance of electoral processes and their effects on democratic systems.
• Changes in long-term objectives regarding individual freedom and collective equality.
• Allocation of authority and utilization of power in the context of electoral outcomes.
• The role of geopolitical factors and EU expansion in shaping democratic trajectories.

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Frontiers in Political Science

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