We often think electoral violence starts on election day. It doesn't. It starts with what we say, share, and choose to believe. And over time, those words shape our choices, our divisions, and our future.
Data from the Incident Center for Election Atrocity (ICEA) reveals that between December 20, 2022, and March 20, 2023, at least 137 election-related killings and 57 election-related abductions were recorded across the country. ICEA further documented that at least 38 politically motivated killings and 27 abductions occurred specifically on the election days of February 25 and March 18, 2023.
As discussions concerning the 2027 elections start emerging, it becomes obvious that peaceful and legitimate elections cannot occur by default. Instead, it takes responsible institutions, competent security organizations, enlightened citizenry, and a collective effort to renounce violence, intolerance, and falsehoods to achieve this.
This webinar will provide a platform for us to examine how electoral violence can be prevented and ensure legitimacy through various measures.