Democratic elections allow actors holding differing political views to compete for power peacefully. However, electoral contests can make deeply rooted conflicts more visible, increase tensions, and trigger violence. Striking a balance between positive and negative conflicts in elections is important to ensure that these processes are peaceful and that the results they yield are credible.

The ACE Preventing Election-related Violence topic area is devoted to assisting interested readers in broadening their understanding of the phenomena of election-related violence, key assessment concepts, and the prevention and mitigation options. The target audience includes electoral management bodies, security sector agencies, and other democracy and conflict practitioners who have the mandate or interest to contribute to credible and peaceful elections.