An Integrated Approach to Elections and Conflict

April 30, 2012

In An Integrated Approach to Elections and Conflict, IFES links the conflict cycle and the electoral cycle to highlight effective conflict-sensitive electoral management strategies. Overlapping the two cycles shows the breadth of activities that already focus on reducing election-related violence and encourages innovation to fill existing gaps.

Electoral Violence

Election Violence as a Development Problem: Why elections don't 'cause' violence and what NGOs can do

April 30, 2012

During the immediate pre- and post-election periods, existing political conflicts may erupt into violence, seemingly without warning.

Electoral Violence

UPDATED - Elections in Aceh: Another Step Forward

April 19, 2012

On April 9, Aceh, a special autonomous region of Indonesia located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra, held the second set of provincial elections for the governorship since the end of the 30-year secessionist conflict with the government of Indonesia. Meredith Applegate, Operations Coordinator for IFES in Indonesia, answers some questions about these momentous polls. 

Elections, Electoral Violence

Election Security for Accessible Elections

April 19, 2012

Supporting an election process that is transparent, inclusive and accessible means all citizens and actors feel safe participating in the electoral process. Unfortunately, in many countries, there are a variety of possible triggers of conflict or violence around elections, including socio-economic divisions, chronic political or military conflicts, and corruption.

Electoral Violence

Spreading Information to Counteract Electoral Violence

April 19, 2012

One of the tools to promote electoral security is voter education. Voter education empowers citizens with information to voice their thoughts on the electoral process through ways other than violence to help prevent conflict.

Education, Electoral Violence

Maldives Political Violence Watch

April 19, 2012

The unrest following President Mohamed Nasheed’s resignation in February has unfortunately demonstrated how serious the problem of political conflict has become in the Maldives. It also demonstrates the link between chronic political conflict and electoral violence. Working to reduce ongoing political conflicts can help reduce the risk of electoral violence, and support the process of democratic consolidation.

Electoral Violence

Promoting Election Security: Technology, Mapping and Citizen Participation

April 19, 2012

Election violence can threaten the credibility of an entire electoral process. It can inhibit participation, restrict freedom to campaign, and compromise the behavior of electoral or security officials. Lisa Kammerud, IFES Research Officer, talks to us about the different forms of election violence and the ways to mitigate them.

Electoral Violence

Promoting Safe Elections for All

April 18, 2012

Ensuring that all citizens feel safe in participating or competing in the electoral process is one of the greatest challenges in supporting an election process that is inclusive and accessible. Promoting election security involves all actors, from the election management bodies to the security sector to citizens who take a stand against violence. This gallery of images illustrates the roles these groups play in mitigating violence so that credible elections can take place.

Electoral Violence

Kenya Elections: Building a Peaceful, Credible Political Process

April 18, 2012

Kenya's next presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on March 4, 2013. The planning process will come under intense scrutiny, as it will be the first general election under a new constitution.

Electoral Violence, Elections

Mitigating Electoral Violence: Gender Analysis, Technology and Proactive Election Management

April 16, 2012

Electoral violence is a persistent threat around the world. It delegitimizes and negatively impacts access to the electoral process for voters and candidates

Electoral Violence