Publication

This paper looks at the recent trends in electoral violence in Africa as well as the causes and consequences of this violence. It briefly looks at some of the elections coming up in Africa in 2012-2013 and gives recommendations on what can be done to help prevent conflict around the elections. It stresses the urgency of establishing effective and legitimate electoral institutions and frameworks; instituting reforms aimed at lowering the stakes of elections; encouraging the devolution of powers; improving socio-economic conditions; and devising strategies to prevent and manage electoral violence.