délection

Délection is a neologism derived from the French words *dé-* (a prefix indicating negation or reversal) and *élection* (meaning "election"). The term was coined to describe the process of removing or disqualifying a candidate from an election, often due to irregularities, legal violations, or procedural errors. Unlike traditional electoral outcomes, délection does not involve voter choice but rather an administrative or judicial decision to exclude a contender.

The concept gained prominence in discussions surrounding electoral integrity, particularly in contexts where candidates faced allegations of fraud, corruption, or other disqualifying conduct. While not a formal legal term in most jurisdictions, délection is sometimes used colloquially or in political commentary to describe scenarios where a candidate is effectively "un-elected" through external intervention rather than popular vote.

Critics argue that délection can undermine democratic principles by bypassing voter sovereignty, while supporters contend it is necessary to uphold fairness and prevent undue influence. The term is rarely applied in official electoral law but appears in debates about electoral reform, transparency, and the balance between procedural rules and democratic participation. Its usage remains largely theoretical, serving as a conceptual tool for analyzing edge cases in electoral systems.