Causes of Electoral Violence : Lessons from the May 2005 Election of Ethiopia

The May 2005 national election of Ethiopia is considered as the first true multi-party election that the country experienced in its recent political history.The pre-election period and the election day were relatively peaceful and democratic.However the post-election period was marred with violence due to disputes among parties over election results.Theories on electoral violence suggest that the causes for such violence are related to the nature of politics, the nature of elections and the nature of electoral institutions in post-conflict societies.The causes for the 2005 electoral violence are firstly related to the nature of politics in contemporary Ethiopia.This includes neo-patrimonial and authoritarian politics,ethnic and party cleavages,cultures of violence and impunity.Secondly they are related to the nature of the May 2005 Election.This consists of political mobilization along conflict margins,close competition among parties and pertinent socio-economic stakes.Thirdly they are related to the nature of electoral institutions in post-conflict Ethiopia.This includes contests over electoral systems, limited rules of electoral conduct and weak election administration entity.