Election violence occurs in a complex system of social, economic, political and security dynamics, involving a networks of relationships between a wide range of individuals and organizations. Therefore, to effectively mitigate election-related violence, practitioners must understand their position within these networks, and leverage the strengths, expertise and connections they provide.

With support from the United States Institute of Peace, we conducted research to develop a proof-of-concept in Nigeria that would demonstrate how practitioners can optimize their election mitigation efforts.

For example, by using innovative technology and methods such as GIS/Crisis Mapping and Stakeholder Network Analysis, practitioners can:

  1. Identify leverage points, spheres of influence, and social capital that can be tapped into for broader impact at the strategic level
  2. Increase the impact of specific peacebuilding interventions and activities by ensuring that the right combination of stakeholders are “in the room”
  3. Assess gaps in the network that can and should be filled at the broader strategic level, or the activity/intervention level

This project included quantitative analysis, key informant interviews with stakeholders in the field, as well as applied learning so that networks in Nigeria can use the findings for better early warning and preventative response. Best practices and lessons learned were applied in the field for the prevention of Gubernatorial election violence in Bayelsa, Ondo, and Edo States.

C/M | 301.01