Post-conflict Elections: How can the international community promote an electoral process that serves the purposes of national renewal and peace rather then continuous conflict?
Author
Guterres, Bruna
Term
4. term
Publication year
2008
Pages
50
Abstract
This thesis examines elections held after war or violent conflict and asks how the international community can help them reduce tensions and support national renewal instead of reigniting violence. It maps the demanding but necessary steps for credible elections, linking peacebuilding with democracy-building. On the peace side, it looks at monitoring compliance with peace agreements and the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants (DDR), as well as strengthening civil society organizations. On the democracy side, it examines constitutional and legal reform; capacity building for political parties; strengthening the electoral management body (EMB), the independent authority that runs elections; voter registration; civic and voter education; mechanisms to resolve electoral disputes; logistics and infrastructure; the integration of new technologies; and the role of the media. The thesis calls for more participatory policies that include citizens and stakeholders throughout the process. It also urges a rethink of the common assumption that two years are sufficient to prepare for post-conflict elections. Overall, it argues that the engagement and resources provided by the international community are decisive for success or failure.
Denne afhandling undersøger valg, der afholdes efter krig eller voldelig konflikt, og spørger, hvordan det internationale samfund kan støtte en proces, der dæmper spændinger og fremmer national fornyelse frem for at genantænde vold. Den kortlægger de krævende, men nødvendige skridt til troværdige valg og forbinder fredsopbygning med demokratiopbygning. På fredssiden ser den på overvågning af gennemførelsen af fredsaftaler samt afvæbning, demobilisering og reintegration af tidligere kombattanter (DDR), og på styrkelse af civilsamfundsorganisationer. På demokratiets side gennemgår den forfatnings- og lovreformer; kapacitetsopbygning af politiske partier; styrkelse af valgmyndigheden (electoral management body, EMB) - den uafhængige myndighed, der organiserer valg; vælgerregistrering; borger- og vælgeroplysning; mekanismer til løsning af valgtvister; logistik og infrastruktur; integration af nye teknologier; samt mediernes rolle i valg. Afhandlingen anbefaler mere deltagerorienterede politikker, som inddrager borgere og interessenter gennem hele forløbet. Den opfordrer også til at genoverveje den udbredte antagelse om, at to år er tilstrækkeligt til at forberede efterkonfliktvalg. Overordnet peger den på, at det internationale samfunds engagement og ressourcer er afgørende for, om processen lykkes eller mislykkes.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]