Reflections on Shuttle Diplomacy and Intricacies of Disputed Elections in Africa: A Case of the 2008 Disputed Elections in Zimbabwe
Author : Chingozha MP, Chingozha Y and Dr. Chimanikire D
Abstract :
Diplomacy has been seen to be a key enabler for bridging the rift between conflicting parties following an election within Africa and even beyond. This reflects the inadequacy and inefficient manner in which elections are run. The role of the international observers has not helped to establish the efficient running of elections in Africa. The study interrogates diplomacy and its intricacies in disputed elections. The interplay between quiet diplomacy and disputed elections is so central in defining democracy as well as fostering peace and stability. The major question that the study sought to answer is what is the relationship between quiet diplomacy in disputed elections in African politics focusing on disputed elections in Zimbabwe. The study findings inform that diplomacy has a central and respectable role in handling disputed elections. Consequently the study concluded that the third party intervention played a central role in addressing the Zimbabwe impasse between the main political contenders.
Keywords :
Shuttle diplomacy, elections, disputed elections, Africa, African Union, diplomacy
