The purpose of elections is to legitimize governments at national, regional and local level. They aim to promote democratization and ensure greater justice. In fact, in some cases, elections contribute to peaceful conflict resolution. But especially in fragile states, they are often accompanied by violence. They can be a catalyst for deep-rooted social and political differences, causing them to flare up again. Elections that are perceived as unfair by the population – or at least part of it – are particularly explosive. It does not matter whether this perception is justified or not.
Cambodia held parliamentary elections on July 29, 2018. Any opposition was stifled beforehand. The victory of the Cambodian People’s Party was therefore hardly surprising. Is Cambodia now heading towards a one-party system? What impact does this election have on tensions within the country? To what extent are elections and violence connected in a general sense and how can riots be prevented? Are there technological solutions that can make elections fairer and thus more peaceful in future?
These questions and more will be discussed in this edition.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
Editor KOFF Magazin, Amélie Lustenberger
