Abstract
In any transition from conflict to peace, the creation or restoration of some form of legitimate governing authority is paramount. While there are relatively few cases of peace deals themselves being put directly to a national vote for acceptance or rejection, at some time in the process of moving from conflict to peace, the support of the citizenry must be tested and obtained. In some form and at some point during every relatively successful process, and sometimes at more than one, the negotiators must seek public approval.
Post-conflict elections or referendums are a common, but not the only, vehicle for achieving this aim. But they are also fraught with problems which, if not appreciated, can easily undermine the foundations of any peace deal. Understanding the complex relationship between peace negotiations and the broader process of mass elections is thus a key step in crafting a lasting peace.