Sarah Birch Knihy

Political elections have historically faced threats from conflict, with the use of force becoming integral to electoral processes in many contemporary states. Despite this, the study of electoral violence remains underexplored. Drawing on cross-national datasets and fourteen detailed case studies, this work provides a global comparative analysis of violent electoral practices since World War II. It reveals that the structure of power in society significantly influences the risk of electoral violence, with countries marked by high corruption and weak democratic institutions being particularly susceptible to disruptions. The author examines how corrupt actors employ violence to support various forms of electoral manipulation, such as vote buying and ballot stuffing. Beyond understanding the reasons behind electoral violence, the analysis addresses preventive measures, emphasizing that the quality of electoral governance and authority is more critical than the formal design of electoral institutions. This exploration sheds light on a crucial aspect of political malpractice, investigating the conditions under which individuals resort to violence as an electoral strategy.