Elections and Security in Africa

voting Africa

Electoral violence is on the rise in Africa, despite more than 20 years of adopting democratic governance; democratic indicators are relatively unchanged over the course of 20 years; and electoral violence has a detrimental effect on citizens’ view of democracy. Working toward the prevention of electoral violence and resolution of the underlying conflicts leading to its recurrence will help to build democratic institutions, broaden the concept of security beyond regime protection, and further development in newly democratizing African states.

The issues covered will include:

  • The causes and motivations of pre- and post-election violence
  • Successful cases of preventing electoral violence in Africa
  • The role of security services, the international community, community leaders and institutions, and other key stakeholders in elections