From Bullets to Ballots: Electoral Assistance to Postconflict Societies

摘要

An essential element in all peace accords signed to end internal conflicts has211u001ebeen the provision for 'free and fair' elections. The warring factions, often 211u001eunder outside persuasion and pressure, agree that the contentious issue of 211u001epolitical legitimacy would be settled by ballots and not bullets and that 211u001eelections would determine who should represent the people and rule the country. 211u001eFurthermore, in cases where an appropriate constitutional framework for democracy 211u001edid not exist, elected representatives would draft the new constitution. It was 211u001euniversally assumed that by paving the way for democratization, elections could 211u001ealso promote reconciliation among former warring politicomilitary groups. 211u001eConsequently, post-conflict elections have been held in the past and are likely 211u001eto be held in the future in post-conflict societies.1 The international community 211u001ehas generally supported such elections with enthusiasm and hope. It has provided 211u001etechnical and financial assistance to plan and conduct them.