In most cases,
the electoral dispute resolution instances include the EMBs, administrative
bodies and judicial institutions. Their mandate and hierarchy may differ across
different electoral systems.
Any appeal
which is not dealt with, and adequately remedied, may create discontent and may
also seriously contribute to the deepening or aggravation of existing conflicts.
In an already tense situation, unresolved issues can become a trigger for
conflict and an excuse for violence.
Empirical cases:
- Belarus
presidential election 2010.
Violent demonstrations erupted in Minsk following an official announcement that
incumbent Aleksandr Lukashenko had won the presidential election with 79.6
per cent of the vote.[1]
Under the existing legal framework, voters in Belarus cannot challenge election
results in the Supreme Court.[2]
The lack of dispute resolution instruments, and thus a legitimate outlet for
complaints and grievances, contributed to triggering protests in Minsk, which
resulted in several injuries and the arrest of 725 people .[3]
Interrelated factors: problematic vote counting and result
tallying (internal); unequal media access and
favouritism (internal); human rights violations (external).[4]
