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" Post-conflict elections or post-elections conflict in Sierra Leone and Liberia "
Harris, David John
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Latin Dissertation
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1097193
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TLets502439
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Harris, David John
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| Title & Author
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Post-conflict elections or post-elections conflict in Sierra Leone and Liberia\ Harris, David John
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| College
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School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London)
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| Date
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2008
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2008
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| Degree
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Ph.D.
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| Abstract
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In the post-Cold War world, a multi-party election is now almost always seen asthe crucial culmination of a peace process after a protracted but inconclusive civilwar. The inputs and outcomes of post-conflict elections in Africa, however, are farfrom homogenous. The breadth and relative strengths of candidates and the range ofresults that have emerged from four national polls in Sierra Leone and Liberia aftersimilar highly destructive civil conflicts are testament to this conclusion. The varyingdegrees of stability and instability that have ensued are further evidence which hashad enormous impacts on the countries concerned. Although in essence a domesticprocedure to select a new political dispensation, outside forces also hold considerableinfluence. While the political capacity of nascent parties, often transformed fromformer military rebel groups, varies considerably and has huge repercussions on theelections, the shift to a more liberal international discourse has also had its effects,particularly in the criminalisation of former combatants and the arbitrary applicationof post-conflict 'justice'. Both factors intertwine to shape the candidates, results andoutcomes of the polls. The post-conflict election serves to select a new governmentand leader, but its other important role must be to avoid a return to conflict. There isthen an underlying need for political solutions and inclusivity in the peace process.Equally, the election has an important role in reconciliation, whether by starting theprocess of addressing grievances pent up over decades which played a considerablepart in the outbreak of conflict, or conversely by frustrating any potential for positivepolitical change that has emerged from the violence.
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School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London)
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