Electoral Violence and Intimidation

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Ryan Tarr
School: Royal Oak High School

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has faced criticism for allegedly using violence and intimidation in order to rig our recent election, but we would like to affirm that this was a legitimate election. President Karzai was congratulated by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, which should serve as evidence alone that this election was completely legitimate.

This election would not have been able to occur without the aid from many nations who invested both monetary and military aid within our borders. We should serve as an example of how international support can allow legitimate elections to occur within troubled nations.

For this committee to come to a successful end, we must pass a piece of legislation that creates a support system for nations in need of international aid. Many nations still struggle with electoral violence, which causes the legitimacy of their government to come into question. In order to restore legitimacy to democratic nations, the international community must give their support, in all forms.

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan believes that, by supplying aid, the international community can greatly reduce the violence that tends to occur around elections. Not only will lives be saved, but the legitimacy of nations will be maintained, which can lead to strengthened ties to foreign nations. These ties make it possible for nations to greater support their people, and save lives in addition to those saved directly by the reduction of the violence. We would like to express the complete confidence we have in this committee, and we believe that safe elections will soon be possible throughout the entire world.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Thomas Jahanian
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The Republic of Belarus regards electoral violence as a crime that cannot be ignored and should not be tolerated. Our country, according to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems White Paper 2001/2002, has very few issues with electoral violence. We hold ourselves to the highest moral standard, and believe it is the responsibility of each country and their election monitors to hold safe, responsible and fair elections.

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems Paper states, "An electoral process is an alternative to violence as it is a means of achieving governance." The Republic of Belarus agrees with this statement entirely and advocates the enforcement of election security. This security includes both the monitoring of controversial elections and the punishment of both the governments and electoral monitors involved in electoral violence and fraud.

The Republic of Belarus believes it is the job of the United Nations to impose sanctions for the government of those countries that do not follow U.N. regulations regarding electoral violence. The U.N. must also try and punish those electoral monitors and government officials who have committed crimes in an international court.

There needs to be diplomatic relations between the United Nations and governments that choose to be part of electoral violence. The United Nations must also favor nations that take steps towards fair and responsible elections.

Once these steps have been taken Belarus believes the world will be on the correct path. It will be evident how effective our work is, once we see electoral violence cease.

WORD

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Sophie Grdina
School: Mattawan High School

While recognizing the diversity and the differences between societies throughout the world, one must also acknowledge the sovereignty given to each nation. These independent rights include the ability to hold elections without interference from other nations. The country of Cameroon believes that sovereignty is a key factor in one's own country, especially when concerning the election of country officials. By emphasizing power of one elected authority, Cameroon has maintained political, economical, and social stability in the midst of unprecedented violence throughout neighboring African nations.

The proud citizens of Cameroon have been allowed free and open elections, with which they have used to elect President Biya since 1982. He has brought significant growth and development to our country, and maintains a strong position of power in the Cameroonian government. Acting on behalf of the citizens of the Cameroon, the government is required to represent the individual rights and liberties of the people. Such expectations include acting on behalf of the common good of the people by providing more suitable, desirable, and appropriate lifestyles for the Cameroon citizens. Our government's legitimacy hinges entirely upon our sovereign right to rule, free of our world's potentially corrupting influences.

As a part of a global community, it is the responsibility of country leaders to provide saftey and security for their citizens. The influence of outside nations and global organizations detracts from this importance, and hinders the ability of proper decision making.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: China
Delegate Name: Drake Filippis
School: Royal Oak High School

As countries develop into democratic type government, voting becomes open and new to the public. Whether it be Kenya, Ghana or Afghanistan, there must be universal laws and restrictions that are agreed upon for each situation. The People's Republic of China would like to focus attention on the protests which occurred in Iran. A country is responsible for national sovereignty, and the United Nations must respect that. What happens inside a countries border is an internal matter and the United Nations should not intervene.

The Tiananmen Square Incident which occurred in 1989 is a prime example in the type of national sovereignty that the People’s Republic of China longs for internationally. As a country, we have our own independent authority, and took control of the situation. The People’s Republic of China supports the general idea of the United Nations Development Program.

According to the Electoral Assistance Division, countries that request assistance are not always receiving it. The People's Republic of China believes that if a country asks for assistance, they should receive it. In the past year, the response has been relatively high, however, in 2005 the request seemed to sky rocket and only a small amount of the countries requesting for help actually received assistance. As a committee we must work together to fund assistance to election violence and intimidation without interfering with any counties national sovereignty. The “United Nations Trust Fund for Electoral Observation” which was passed in 2007, could possibly be raised to help assist more countries.

The People's Republic of China main goal is to protect national sovereignty while at the same time help promote stable governments.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Laquita Harris
School: Flint Northern High School

Electoral violence and intimidation has caused many problems within Egypt since the 1900’s, (Such as electoral fraud, unfair elections and assassinations of many presidents.) Which lead to the boycott of it’s up coming election, (November 29,) by three legal opposition parties (the New Wafd, the Socialist Labor Party and the Liberal Party) and the technically banned Moslem Brotherhood; by most accounts the largest opposition force in the country. Together, these four groups captured

27.9 percent of the vote, in the previous People’s Assembly election, held in April 1987. These three parties along with the Moslem Brotherhood claim that Egypt had insufficient safeguards to prevent electoral fraud and restrictions on campaigning by opposition candidates, which have led to violence and intimidation at the polls and in some streets and they feel that they were not upholding free and fair elections.The opposing groups claimed that there has been vote rigging and other tampering with voting tallies.

The use of police had led to the arrest of hundreds and thousands of people due to the violent demonstrations, and some even fighting back and burning up police cars (because some people felt they were being harassed at the polls by the police.)

The parties and M.B. have been stressing the use of identifying voters by identification cards, badges, passports or finger prints; which they finally did agree to which led some to more peaceful rallies and gatherings.

Some Middle Eastern countries have set up the Middle Eastern Watch to make sure the Egyptian elections are fair and free.

Police was still in full force.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: France
Delegate Name: Andrew Romano
School: Roeper School

Electoral violence and intimidation is a complex issue. It involves solving issues on more than one level. There is the issue of the violence itself and also the issue of electoral fraud. Electoral fraud is an underlying issue that is frequently the cause of directly results of violence by the losing parties towards the winning party. The more significant type of electoral violence is used against voters to intimidate them into not voting or into voting for the side that they might not want to vote for. In order to combat one type of violence, we must combat the other.

The French Republic believes that this is a multi-step process that requires our full attention to come up with a solution. We, the United Nations, need to ensure that countries create safe environments for voters by providing places to vote with “secret ballots” which will ensure that nobody except the person who voted knows how he/she voted. The United Nations Office of Elections is a valuable resource that developing nations can access to help provide simple, effective measures to support elections that are free and fair. In addition, election monitors from international and regional bodies help provide credibility that elections are conducted within acceptable international norms, no matter where the nation is located or its development status.

We also need to educate the general public about how campaigns and voting function. These two things will help decrease fraud that occurs during the election and will in turn help stop the violence that occurs after the elections. To stop violence that occurs during an election as an attempt to persuade people into voting a certain way, we need to encourage countries to set up laws that place these people under arrest for their actions, and direct the spotlight of international attention toward elections to prevent fraud and violence. France is willing to work with all nations to implement and strengthen measures to prevent electoral violence.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Mary Bryan
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Electoral Violence and Intimidation is a growing issue around the world. Germany is a democratic country therefore it takes a stand against electoral violence. A solution to this issue is establishing a democratic government in the countries that are having the issues. These issues are predominate in African countries and also in the Middle-Eastern part of the world. This is not to say that they are not the same issues in countries that are not in these regions but this is where the main issue lays. Electoral violence is usually caused by a disagreement between two political groups because of the nature of competition in elections, often resulting in one group going to extreme measures to insure a political victory. Another cause of electoral violence is when a group finds something unfair or wrong. Some people turn to violence when they find no other way to solve the problem. Some people also have no idea of what they are doing is wrong such as the country of Afghanistan.

In order to stop this growing problem Germany wants to put an end to this issue now. Germany believes that establishing a democratic society will enhance the chance of putting electoral violence to an end. Having political stability is a major contributor towards peace in that country, or at least having a non-violent society. Germany calls upon all members of the United Nations to work together to make a resolution to stop all violence concerning elections and also to stop using violence to intimidate others in order to prove their point.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Anna Weber
School: Mattawan High School

The object of democracy is to allow everyone an equal opportunity to express his own opinion through voting. In many countries, people are losing their freedoms because of electoral violence. Freedom of assembly and freedom of association are vital to the success of a democracy, yet these freedoms have, in some places, been violated. The intimidation by the bigger party must be stopped immediately. In order to be legitimate, an election must be honest and fair. Violence must not become a tactic available for use by competing parties.

If the violence and intimidation are allowed to continue, the elected officials will be people of questionable character who will have been raised up by violence. It is not reasonable to hope that voters will not submit to the pressure to vote a certain way when violence is involved; if their lives or families have been threatened, changing their vote would not be a large price to pay for safety. The trend towards violence must be halted at all costs. We cannot allow our leaders to be people so ambitious that they would put the lives of many in danger simply to be on the "top of the heap."

If violence, corruption, or dishonesty are suspected in an election, measures must be taken to redo the election with stricter controls. Generally electoral intimidation takes place in the open, in the form of violent protests or hate crimes. Stricter controls must, in this case, be implemented to ensure that an election is fair. Police should be stationed near polling places to supervise and intervene in violent situations. Increased media coverage of the problem could also be helpful to flush out the less obvious dishonesty.

All countries that choose their officials by a vote should realize that allowing electoral violence or intimidation is hypocritical and dangerous.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Koerner Gray Buchta
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Electoral violence is a threat to democracy and the freedom of all the people of this world. It can be defined as violence related to an election before, during, or after it. It may be used to intimidate voters before elections actually occur, deterring them from voting in the first place. It can be used during elections to stop peoples’ access to the vote and discourage voting for a specific party. And it may erupt after an election, when a certain group feels unhappy with the results of an election. It is wrong for the simple reason that it violates Articles 3, 20, and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the right to life, to peaceful assembly, and the right to participate in the governance of one’s own country (i.e. the right to vote). This definition can be misconstrued by certain countries for political purposes; that is, to attempt to de-legitimize another country or a political entity.

Currently, election violence occurs most commonly in Africa: recently in Sierra Leone, Kenya, and Nigeria. As has been very visible on the news, Iran has also had a problem with election violence over the summer. Unfortunately, it has been misunderstood by many people whose only knowledge of it comes through the filter of the Western media. After the results of the election were announced, protests erupted in some parts of the country where citizens were simply unhappy with results. Some became violent, and people did die. In some cases, state bodies reacted in force, but this was absolutely necessary, because further instability could’ve caused the country to fall into complete chaos, which would (among other things) cause more death and destruction. The actions of the Revolutionary Guard and the state police were absolutely necessary to maintain this peace and civil order. Several members of the Basij and the revolutionary guard were killed; the casualties were not all “innocent bystanders.” There is also significant evidence that protests were very organized and even pre-planned. Many arrested leaders of the protests have admitted to being members of the Peoples’ Mujahedin of Iran/the Mojahedin-e-Khalq Organization, a terrorist organization that has been trying to undermine the Islamic Republic of Iran since its beginning. However, we do hold some deep regrets that violence occurred in the first place, and some deaths have been suspicious. The most publicized incident was the unfortunate death of Neda Agha-Soltan, captured on video and propagandized for use as anti-Iranian news material internationally. The Islamic Republic of Iran feels that certain Western powers have framed the events surrounding the election to show the Islamic Republic of Iran to be an some tyrranical, intolerant, and unkind force that perpetrates electoral violence, thus de-legitimizing the government of Iran and keeping focus off of more important things, like the oppression of the people of the Palestinian states.

In order to solve the problem of electoral violence, we must first keep in mind that every country has its right to national sovereignty and a right to hold its own elections without the interference of other countries and third parties. Beyond that we should look at the very root causes of the issue; the tensions and injustices that erupt into violence. These often include disputes over who actually has authority to govern who, class inequality, marginalization or separation of different groups of society, unequal access to information, and ethnic tensions. The solutions to these problems are obviously very complex and the answers will differ from region to region, but there are some base things that can be done. There should be a Special UN Tribunal to bring those behind the most serious and violent crimes to justice. We can attempt to reduce political corruption and corruption in the police forces. New suggestions and funding for witness protection programs would be helpful. Ethnic tensions should be recognized and addressed. Issues of class equality should be addressed with economic policy. There is no blanket solution for any of this. To force consequences across the board on countries in which electoral violence has taken place would be unfair and unhelpful: it is rarely just the government’s fault, and sometimes it is unclear exactly which government is in power and responsible.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Kai Chen Yeo
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Israel prides itself on its parliamentary democracy, allowing all citizens a fair and equal vote. Democratic elections in themselves imply fairness however they also fall victim as easy targets of those individuals aiming to manipulate government proceedings. As the breakdown of proceedings representing just government, electoral violence is absolutely unacceptable. Whether electoral violence finds vent in physical riots or underhanded corruption, it represents a direct affront to democratic ideals.

Unfortunately, Israel is no stranger to electoral violence. Israel’s major dissent stems from the severe cleavages in Israeli society. Ultra-orthodox Jews’ demands often find outlet in severe stands against the Israeli government. Most notably, Israel’s 2008 elections were marked by riots stemming from such religious groups attempts to stop the voting altogether. Furthermore, the difference between better off and poorer citizens is notable, causing entirely unnecessary tensions. Voter intimidation and coercion is also a problem very much alive during Israeli elections, only currently combated by a police force hard at work. Currently voter turnout is averaging around 20-30%, implying the apprehension of the average citizen from approaching the voting booth. Israel entirely supports free elections and is doing everything it can do control the situation.

If electoral security is made an international norm all citizens of the world would not have to worry about voting under oppression. Furthermore, Israel’s electoral problems have underlying currents in conflicts with surrounding countries over land. Although Israel’s conflicts are markedly more severe, any underlying violent conflict will mar the sanctity and solemnity of the voting process, perpetuating opportunities for corruption and violence to stand in the way of a fair and just vote. International support for a peaceful resolution would certainly combat electoral violence and intimidation in countries already preoccupied with a violent environment.

Elections must ultimately be free of all violence and corruption. The global community must work together to create a just voting environment for all countries.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Kenya
Delegate Name: Allison Brazeau
School: Mattawan High School

Electoral violence must be effectively eliminated in order for peace to exist even momentarily. Unnecessary wars are waging, mostly in African countries, whenever new leaders are elected. If these wars do not stop they might eventually spread into neighboring countries, expanding the violence, and increasing the number of civilians dying.

The country of Kenya has recently overcome a civil war. Our people are now suffering as the effects of this war impact our country. The 2007 election in Kenya saw the end of KANU's rule. The opposition forces immediately attacked the government, and for two months a war was fought and an unbelievable number of people died. This war was only ended when the two major political parties signed a document claiming that they would share the government. This was an important measure in ending the violence.

After this civil war Kenya received help from many political leaders to restore the peace, restore the people’s rights and liberties, and to solve the political crisis. Kenya believes that the way to solve electoral violence, in other countries as well, is for the different political parties to work together. Our political parties agreed on creating a Prime Minister, which had not existed in Kenya since 1964. Another important step in ending electoral violence is the separation of state and government.

To end electoral violence it is necessary for every sector of the community to work as one. One of the main problems of the Kenyan electoral violence in 2007, and in many other countries, is ethnic diversity. We are calling for other countries that are experiencing electoral violence to change their government.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Caldwell
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The death of election personnel and elected officials has caused much concern within the Lebanese Republic. The death of people who were doing their required duties in a distinguished and blameless way was nothing short of a tragedy.

We firmly believe that the violence is a direct result of the postponement of the presidential election of this year. This has created a vacant presidential position since November 24, 2007. Another reason for the further delay of the election was due to the anxiety of a conceivable attack of Hezbollah against officials not in arbitration with them.

For further prevention against attacks the United Nations has passed Security Council resolution #1559, which gives Lebanon full support in holding a free democratic election without foreign influence. We have agreed to disarm our military and standing militia in compliance with Security Council resolution #1559.

We request that peacekeeping troops be sent to stabilize the country during the election period this year. The support from the UN has included troops and further protection from the foreign influence of our neighbors who have previously interfered with the elections within our nation.

We believe that with the increase of peacekeeping troops and the protection of the UN, we will be able to have a free democratic election. We will give our people the voice of the government with the ability to vote without being harmed through the aid and continued support of the UN.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Libya
Delegate Name: Robert Mercier
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

In Libya, we have some issues with intimidation of voters. We have several groups of political pressure groups for lack of a better phrase, such as the Arab Nationalist movements, anti-QADHAFI Libyan exile Movement, and the Islamic Elements group. Groups like these intimidate our people and keep them out of the polls. This interferes with the actual majority being heard and listened to. This has been an issue for many years, and we are still working on it.

Basically, people are intimidating our voters and are keeping mainly minorities out of the polls. Meaning, our elections are basically rigged. The underdog can basically never win, because the people that like the underdog are kept out. Voting here is much like voting was for the recently freed African Americans in the United States after they gained the right to vote. There are people that don’t want some people to vote so they can gain power, so they terrorize the voters.

The people and groups that intimidate the voters often go to any means necessary, including violence. They seriously are brutal and destructive, but they believe in their cause. That gives them the impression that it’s alright for them to do whatever they want. But it doesn’t make us as a country look good. In fact, this gives people a bad view of our country. They think it makes us unsafe and unfair.

The UN is looking into this, but so far nothing has really been accomplished. They are voting on what to do about this situation. So far they have delayed the vote twice or three times. It is not good. Not a lot is being accomplished. We are still dealing with this demanding issue. It is sort of hard to deal with, because it may seem to the people that we are restricting their rights, and we don’t want a revolt. That definitely wouldn’t be good. It would just be another issue to add to our growing list of problems.

The interference by the UN is important in my opinion because we need the help to regain control of the groups that are intimidating our voters. Gaining control is probably a big part of eliminating the issue. If the people aren’t happy, the controllers can’t really be happy. That leads to an unsuccessful government in my opinion. The interference is a good peaceful way to settle things that might have resulted in violence without the interference.

All in all, we have intimidation, but both my country and the UN are making attempts to put an end to the intimidation and violence. I hope that in the near future, this problem will be solved and people will be able to get a good idea of what my country is really like. I also hope that once this issue is solved, that the UN no longer has any need to interfere with my country.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Malawi
Delegate Name: Meredith Assaly
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

In Malawi, there is electoral violence that affects the voting process in a negative way. After many years, the Electoral Commission finally ordered the Malawians to have a violence-free election. For Malawi to have a peaceful and democratic election process, there is need for politicians to remember that in democracy election rallies and other campaigning activities are not an area where those who intimidate and damage their rivals are the winners, warn Malawian human rights activists.

Malawi calls on the international community to come up with a reliable idea that will put electoral violence to an end. With the help of surrounding nations, Malawi can be made into a violence free country and the voting process will be reliable and safe. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Malawi have commended the Electoral Commission (EC) for the way the electoral body has conducted yesterday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

In an interview with Best of Malawi, Chairperson of the Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi (CONGOMA) Richard Sembereka described the 2009 Malawi general elections as “the best the country has held in terms of acts of violence in the history of the country’s polls.” Sembereka, who rated the electoral commission’s administration of the polls as fair further, expressed CONGOMA’s satisfaction with the turnout of voters, which according to him was put at 75 percent in most polling stations across the country. Malawi is doing everything in there power to eliminate electoral violence and their efforts are continuing to create positive results. With hard work and dedication, the government will provide a safer election process for everybody.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Mozambique
Delegate Name: Gus Schlanbusch
School: Roeper School

One of the defining factors of an electoral process is the safety that it should guarantee

its voters. If the world is dominated by political parties which intimidate or attack opposition, or voters who have not the self-restraint to prevent themselves from gunning down people who would have a different candidate win, how can one call anywhere safe?

Mozambique held its first elections in 1994, electing our President Joaquim Chussano. This election passed peacefully. Since this time, we have been encouraging more and more of our population to vote- in 1999, we provided registration cards to 85% of the potential electorate. We held a second round of elections in 1999, which the international community viewed as well-organized and smooth-running. A third round of elections was held in 2004, and these, too, were seen by the world as well-run. As can be seen here, we of Mozambique are still new to the electoral process. In regards to electoral violence, Mozambique is a good example of how violence can be transformed into a democratic process. In fact, our two major political parties- FRELIMO (the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique) and RENAMO (the Mozambican National Resistance) were competing armies before they transformed themselves into competing parties.

Mozambique recognizes the need to establish safe voting policies in the democratic nations of the world. Mozambique also recognizes the need for sufficient planning to go into an election, and as such will support resolutions which would establish guidelines for elections in member nations and would call for oversight of elections in fledgling democracies. Mozambique seeks work with other nations to help end electoral violence throughout the world, and is willing to lend its experience towards peaceful transition.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Meghan Veldheer
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The Netherlands is a Constitutional monarchy. As a constitutional monarchy the Netherlands does not experience electoral violence in our country. The kingdom of the Netherlands does not agree with electoral violence. We would rather have peaceful elections than resorting to violence to solve an issue. Countries such as Afganistan resort to violence because they think that is the only solution, if countires in Africa and the Middle-east know that there are other ways to solve conflicts then the violence would stop. Installing a democractic society in these regions is one way of many to resolve this issue. The United Nations should work as a whole to do this. The Netherlands supports any resolution to solve electoral violence besides resolutions that involve solving the issue with violence.

Preventing violence during elections is one aspect of prevention that requires long-term planning. Indeed, without laying the foundations for a non-violent electoral process such as creating institutions and systems capable of finding peaceful solutions to political conflict any last minute attempts to minimize violence prior to elections may come to nothing. Yet by engaging with country partner’s years in advance, UNDP is able to build trust with national and local actors on conflict prevention and peace building, all of which can positively influence a peaceful election process. Again the Netherlands as a whole would like to solve this problem of electoral violence and rest as a peaceful nation and prevent other countries from establishing electoral violence. Electoral violence is against what the Netherlands stands for.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Griffin Dennis
School: Roeper School

In the past ten years, Nigeria has made the transition from decades of military rule, with episodic and carefully managed elections, to a successful democratic government with open and regularly scheduled elections between competing candidates of several political parties. The system now in place in the Nation of Nigeria has taken long to develop, but the people of Nigeria value their right to choose their representatives and leaders.

The most important aspect of any democratic government is the fair and free election of leadership by the people of a state. Unfortunately, there are many supposedly democratic states that have elections marred with corruption and greed. Frequently during these nations’ elections, unscrupulous forces employ violent tactics in their attempt to influence of the outcome of elections. One of the most notable elections in recent months which has been manipulated was the presidential election in Iran. In the violent aftermath of that Iranian presidential election, protesters were often beaten unconscious by police and intimidated by extensive jailing without charges. Excessive force such as this is reprehensible on an international level. Although Nigeria believes appropriate military and police response to some violent protests in the interest of keeping peace during an election cycle is sometimes appropriate.

The African continent in particular has been a hotbed for elections fraught with violence (Africa accounts for 46% of all UN electoral assistance requests.) With many governments coming and going in various coups, supposed democracies are put into place, which often morph into oligarchies. The latter of these two is reflective of the current situation Zimbabwe which experienced a particularly violent presidential election in the 2008 cycle.

The Nation of Nigeria supports resolutions that would aid electoral monitoring in countries that are self-declared democracies. However, the expansion of the UN EAD can only take states so far. The UN must also pursue additional policies that would encourage fair and free elections by means of trade agreements, treaties etc… Control of illicit arms trade also factors into this, as often rogue organizations are responsible for election-related violence, rather than as opposed to or in addition to governmental violence. Nigeria believes that steps must be taken to ensure equal sovereignty and safety for all citizens in a nation, in order to prevent electoral violence and intimidation,

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Jim Hartman
School: Mattawan High School

In unstable countries throughout the world, electoral violence and intimidation creates an unsafe voting environment for the millions of civilians who are willing to vote for their leaders. For example, Angola and Bosnia have had elections which have had long term repercussions of the violence which took place during their elections. These elections can lead to unfair elections in key countries, which directly impacts countries in the rest of the world in the arena of policy making, alliances, and trade. Norway is a constitutional monarchy that has always been for free and fair elections for all people. Norway is also strongly against violence in the world, such as in the are of small arms, because innocent people do not need to suffer for the selfish gain of others.

To solve the issue of electoral violence Norway proposes to send in an NGOs to the countries most affected by this world-wide epidemic. These NGOs would monitor elections and and create a safer voting environment for the civilians who would otherwise be too intimidated to vote. Other developed democratic nations such as the United States, Britain, and France would be in favor of any policy reducing voting violence and electoral intimidation. Norway opposes any views and policies that would remove officials from the polls and lower the overall protection of the citizens who are voting. Countries in the Middle East or South America where citizens are constantly under pressure and threat of violence while voting are strongly criticized by Norway, and therefore Norway would strongly be against any policies that are in action in these countries.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Curtiss
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Pakistan recognizes the threat electoral violence and intimidation pose to the democratic process in countries around the world. Each year, hundreds of people lose their lives due to violence in competitive elections, and threats and intimidation are used to interfere with the voting process. Voter turn out is repressed as large groups of people fear for the safety of their lives due to threats from terrorist organizations.

Although a study by the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) reported 300 deaths in connection to elections in 2001, previous case studies place the number of deaths substantially higher. In the 1997 election in Kenya, more than 100 people were killed in ethnically motivated violence and roughly 100,000 people left Mombasa during that election period. An additional 200 people in Kenya’s Rift Valley faced violent deaths related to the election.

Since 2002, Pakistan and the IFES have been working in intimate partnership to build our democratic institutions by improving technical assistance and commodity support to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for poll worker training and voter registration. In 2006, the IFES and ECP became official partners and have agreed to intensify their collaboration to strengthen the electoral administration and framework in Pakistan by implementing a joint program that includes enhancing computerized electoral polls, developing ECP institutional reform, mitigating electoral violence, resolving electoral disputes, and providing support to the ECP’s legal unit and political finance reform. In Pakistan, the IFES and ECP have been working since 2007 to increase stakeholder knowledge of the electoral dispute resolution process. Our goal is to improve the capacity of electoral and judicial officials to effectively make, investigate, and adjudicate official complaints and resolve challenges to election returns. The results will be the improvement of the legal adjudication process for electoral disputes and reduced incidences of political violence in pre- and post-election periods. This project is the first of its kind to be recognized in a comprehensive study of the mechanisms used to resolve challenges in election results.

At this summit, we hope to improve the safety of polls in other nations and to maintain the integrity of other state’s elections in order to build a better, more democratic global society.

Thoughtfully submitted,

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Thaddeus Lenk
School: Saline High School

A democratic country is usually ruled, somewhat, by the people and is a country that grants equality to its citizens. Unfortunately, the democratic process can be staged or illegally changed to favor a certain side. This can go about in a number of ways. Voters could be coerced into voting for a certain candidate. Politicians could also be bribed or intimidated into doing certain things. Worst of all, voters or politicians could be killed to scare other politicians or voters from supporting a certain group. Electoral violence and intimidation can affect a county’s citizens, foreign affairs, and even its type of government.

Poland has fought to gain its right to a democracy and in turn greatly opposes electoral violence and intimidation. Poland has, most recently, been under the oppressive control of Germany in World War II and then by the Soviet Union. Poland has seen firsthand the horrors of an oppressive government and abhors any attempt to oppress the people including electoral violence. Even though Poland has only been a democratic country for a short period of time, we have already joined NATO and the EU in attempts to combat tyranny and protect democratic ideals.

Poland supports the idea of a committee, which is chosen by an outside group, to observe elections of countries that are suspected of having illegal elections. Poland believes that regulation of a country’s election can help start the process of eliminating electoral intimidation, if necessary. We firmly believe that it is the responsibility of the UN and other organizations to help monitor a country’s elections and freedom for its citizens and politicians.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Taylor Drury
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Electoral violence has been taking away democratic freedoms in what are supposed to be democratic elections. Citizens are often threatened to: not voice their opinions, not make certain speeches, vote for one particular candidate, etc. Citizens are being coerced in democratic nations to vote one way or another. This has big impact on people’s right to national sovereignty. The issue of electoral violence and intimidation has not really presented itself within The Russian Federation. Throughout Russia’s history there have not been problems with electoral violence. Citizens have voiced their opinions saying that the system is flawed or corrupt, but they’re not coerced into voting for someone. Three reporters were beaten and abused because they wished to voice their opinions on human rights. This is a form of violence, but it was not necessarily electoral violence. This issue may not directly affect Russia, but it does affect other nations and their leaders can influence new policies. The issue does indirectly affect Russia even though electoral violence does not occur in Russia.

Russia does not support any type of electoral violence and intimidation. This sort of issue impedes on people’s national sovereignty. There is no point of having a democratic nation when the citizens can not freely voice their opinions and vote for their favorite candidate. Russia would like to see more aggressive laws against electoral violence and intimidation. If people are caught coercing people, then they will have to deal with several years in prison. More security actions are needed to be taken to secure the safety and protection of the candidates and voters. It seems as though a lot of this violence is taking place in Nigeria, and specific actions towards Nigeria should be placed into a working paper to insure their sovereignty.

Russia hopes virtually all countries in the United Nations will support our ideas and policies with regards to electoral violence and intimidation. There could possibly be some countries that rely on electoral violence to keep their candidates in office and sustain their own regime. Sovereign nations need to get together on a resolution to help the countries that cannot help themselves with this issue.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Somalia
Delegate Name: Jemma Howlett
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

Electoral violence and intimidation interfere with the ability to have free and fair elections. The right to rule, and be a leader, should be based on what the people want and who is better qualified, not who is more powerful, more intimidating, or has the most powerful weapons. Violence is used to threaten voters, to vote a certain way, and opponents, to yield. This is illogical, unethical, somewhat barbarian and needs to be stopped. Using violence as a tactic to become elected almost always insures an unstable government, unhappy citizens, and turmoil to come.

Somalia, after enduring years of chaos in the absence of an effective central government, in fact all most no government at all, has begun a new chapter of optimism with the selection of our new president, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, by the Somali parliament in February 2009. This will open new windows to Somalia’s government, and future. While Somalia looks forward to improving stability, it also recognizes the overwhelming importance of elections being free and fair, and the abolishment of electoral violence and intimidation. These issues are very present today all around the world and in need of attention.

Somalia believes the United Nations holds a vital role in ensuring free and fair elections across the globe. Ensuring these elections are fair and free should be an important role that the United Nations takes pride in solving. The recent events in Afghanistan are prominent examples that elections free from hardship should be a priority. We believe the action needed to be taken toward making these changes should not only be the work and responsibility of the country that is affected but also the responsibility of the entire United Nations.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Sudan
Delegate Name: Cassie Bengel
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Electoral violence has played a large role in our world history and one place that’s trying to prevent this from happening in their country is the people of Sudan. This year (2009) Sudan will be holding an election to discuss the situation of Darfur which raises Sudan’s future of hope and concern. According to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in 2005 between the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Sudan is scheduled to hold national and state level elections in 2009.

Although Africa is known for its past experiences with violence during, before or after elections, the Sudanese people are doing their best to inform one another as to why aggression is not the answer. Earlier this year, a group of people from Sudan put together a play to go around and perform for others around the country to inform them about this problem. As said by Maria Montessori “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.” Although politics can lead to conflict, one way in which we can prevent this from happening by bringing in the armed forces (including police), political parties, and the National Election Commission (including the judiciary) to Sudan. By performing this play, The five groups came up with positive and negative roles these institutions could play and ended with personal commitments by the participants to raise awareness, form alliances committed to nonviolence, and to train the political parties in preventing election violence. If we can prove to the other Sudanese people that there are solutions other than hostility, electoral violence and intimidation would not even become a factor in our country.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Amanda Mitchell
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

On May 27, 2007 voters of the Syrian Arab Republic confirmed presidential candidate Bashar al-Assad with an overwhelming show of support and confidence. With a resounding 97.6 percent of the vote President Bassad holds an irrefutable people’s mandate, demonstrating the efficacy of the Syrian democracy and electoral process.

Electoral violence and intimidation threaten national security, inhibit progress, and threaten citizens. Recent elections in Iran and Afghanistan reflect such instability, however, it is the right and duty of these nations to insure free and fair elections while taking advantage of the aid of the United Nations. Aid, however, in no way suggests direct control. It is the strong belief of the delegation of Syria that nations have the right to determine the nature and intensity of security necessary for the protection of their own elections, without unnecessary interference of this body, the UN, or overzealous Western nations. The Syrian Arab Republic is a committed guardian of free and fair elections in the Middle East. The Syrian electoral system is a model for other nations. In Syria the main party is The Ba’ath, which habitually holds power. Minor parties are also allowed to form, with deference to the Ba’ath Party. This system allows for political dissent while guarantying electoral stability and discourages turmoil and violence intended to suppress minority groups.

Syria does recognize a need to monitor the electoral process internally and in surrounding nations. The delegation of Syria stresses and reaffirms the sovereignty of each state and the inviolable rights of self-determination. Yet, it is the charge of this body to create lasting and effective reform in electoral systems, insuring that they are free of intimidation or violence. Several nations surrounding Syria will benefit from the actions of this body, namely Afghanistan, and Lebanon.

Syria believes that the most important initiatives this body can address are those directed and enforced by the state itself. Moreover, the cost and difficulty of allowing non-governmental organizations to direct reform within a nation is detrimental to the growth of the state.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Ellen Stachowicz
School: Royal Oak High School

Turkey has had electoral violence in the past before, so we find it necessary to do something about the intimidation and violence that occurs at the voting polls. Turkey’s electoral violence comes from those radicals who do not support a democratic government or any of the chosen campaign leaders. Turkey, as a democracy, finds this a major problem.

There are many who do not support a democracy and will destroy voting polls, use intimidation, and bomb houses to prevent as many people as they can of voting. How ever, there are also citizens who support our democracy and want the violence to come to an end.

We as a country would hope to see the voting areas more protected by the government in the future. The support from other legitimate countries is also appreciated. Security is vital for making sure that voting is fair and open to all citizens. That way, people can vote without the fear of oppression. Once we can get this out of the way, the country and the people can work on stronger democratic principals and a stronger government that can regulate problems like the ones stated above. With proper security this is possible. We can come together and secure safety and suffrage to the citizens.

As a conclusion, Turkey has images of ending electoral violence and intimidation. We as a country do not want to see the people held down against their will. We are willing to increase security to prevent anymore outbreaks when it comes to the voting process.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Uganda
Delegate Name: Olivia Chen
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

Electoral violence and intimidation is a difficulty that many countries are currently facing. It threatens the wellbeing of innocent civilians: for example, 250,000 people have been displaced due to the state of affairs in Kenya, Ghana, and Iran among other places. The Republic of Uganda is aware that this is a significant issue and has directly experienced such hostility caused by political rivals that are in conflict with each other for political gain. The delegation of Uganda is deeply concerned about the fact that not only does this violence strongly affect the outcome of elections in certain nations by discouraging voter turnout (especially in women, as exhibited in recent elections in Afghanistan), it in turn promises that the election will take more time and effort due to the need for further observations and investigations.

Uganda recommends that this body take action to ensure free and fair elections, specifically targeting favoritism in the media in addition to imposing laws and regulations where needed. The Republic of Uganda also encourages the formation of an African Union army that will come to the aid of African countries having elections to ensure that the electoral process is as secure and honest as possible. Such groups could be set up in other regions of the world, and United Nations Peacekeeping could also provide support. Positioning soldiers at polling stations to prevent attacks against workers there would be an example of a job they might carry out.

Compared to others, Uganda is one of the more stable countries in the African Union. It has been a dictatorship in the past under Idi Amin, Milton Obote, and Tito Okello, causing a lot of electoral violence. However, Uganda is taking steps to become a nation with free and fair elections; Current president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was fairly elected in the general elections in 1996, 2001, and 2006. President Museveni instated the National Resistance Movement in 1986, which was later described as an alternate form of democracy. Uganda’s economy improved greatly during 1990 to 2001, and is still growing steadily. The Republic of Uganda encourages other developing countries to follow its example to work towards their ultimate prosperity and growth as well.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Semia Bag
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

Electoral process is a way for using violence in order to achieve a power in the government. This happens when the stakeholders are unfair, unresponsive, or unjust with the electoral process. Additionally, electoral violence and intimidation occurs when the political legitimacy is wrong, or unethical. Recently there have been incidents of violence and intimidation in Nigeria during the elections of April 12 and 19 in 2003.

The delegation of UK believes that in a situation where we have seen serious violence, with deaths and injuries, it is extraordinary for the British government to face the problem in a calmly manner. The United Kingdom government, who is one of Nigeria’s most important Western partners, is in a great position where we can fix the problem publicly. The Nigerian government should take responsibility to maintain the rule of law. In addition, they should take immediate action to keep violence and intimidation from happening during the stages of the elections.

UK recognizes the need to monitor the electoral process in future Nigeria. Various political parties have sponsored attacks which not only resulted in several deaths and injuries, but which prevented many voters from going to the elections to vote. This was how some scenarios looked like in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers State in the south where violence and intimidation was widespread as well as other parts of southeast. These violent attacks contributed on the atmosphere of fear and tension in some places during election days.

The delegation of UK strongly condemns that we should suggests putting an end to the impunity that has protected the perpetrators. In addition, they should demonstrate a basic commitment to the prosecution to the people who are responsible for these crimes. The government has to send a clear message to the people who foresee violence as a method for victory during elections.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Logan Verner
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Democracy is one of the most intriguing forms of government known to mankind. This system of government allows for many different people to display their views on a nation’s issues. However, the dignity of the system can be marred by violence and intimidation.

The United States encourages its citizens to have their own opinions. In fact, people will often disagree on what is the best course for a nation. What we do agree on is that we all will not stand for any type of violence or intimidation in our elections.

The election process in a democracy is a very solemn and sacred action. It represents the government being taken out of the hands of the few and put into the hands of the masses. The governed get to choose who will govern them. To that end, anything that would hinder the accuracy of the process should be stopped the moment it is discovered.

The hindrances in Afghanistan were unfortunately not stopped. The United States regrets to see such a young democracy stumble so early. The Taliban is retains influence in Afghanistan, even after the United States took combative measures to remove them from power. Now the Taliban is using violence and intimidation to hold sway over the citizens of Afghanistan. We believe that the people of Afghanistan should persevere and directly elect their representatives without fear of the Taliban.

Elections can change the course of countries; they should be made as fair and free as possible in order for the people’s interests to be represented.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Jordan Magenta
School: Saline High School

Venezuela does not condone the act of electoral violence and intimidation and we as a nation believe it should be struck down with harsh punishments. Under the Chavez government of Venezuela since 1999 we as a nation have not encountered recent acts of electoral violence and intimidation, due to our stagnant leadership. On the other hand before Chavez rose to power in 1999, homicides of all kinds even political and electoral were absolutely out of control. Throughout the history of our country, multiple political factions have performed many hateful and violent acts against other political parties but we found peace under the unity of one party.

Our government has a goal of creating safe and simple political strategies to help establish fair and safe voting. From past experience our nation would suggest allowing countries to form more stable political parties, with rational leaders. Also certain government policies should be changed for example term length, and re-election limit, to better stabilize the government and allow for leaders to get their shot to help their country. This is a extreme strategy that some might disagree with for certain reasons, some might think it might promote dictatorship and some might think it would be impossible to create one unified party and our nation is more than willing to here and compromise on possible less extreme ideals, although they won’t be as affective.

In conclusion we, the nation of Venezuela do not support any act of political violence and intimidation, and from past experience we as a nation have a lot of experience is this unacceptable act. To solve this problem we propose that through the help of political leaders and activists stable political parties are formed and laws be changed to allow for more stagnant leadership.

Topic: Electoral Violence and Intimidation
Country: Vietnam
Delegate Name: Sarah Bradtke
School: Mattawan High School

Electoral violence and intimidation in any form is the failure of democracy. Democratic, or even partially democratic, states rely on the voice of the people through elections. With any danger or fear surrounding the action of voting, constituents are less likely to vote, and thus, will not have their true "voice" heard; this is exactly the antithesis of a democracy.

Viet Nam is a strict, one-party Communist state that has few and very controlled elections. Campaign propoganda is limited or controlled by the government and the current party places high degrees of importance on maintaining power. Therefore, while Viet Nam has democratic aspects of voting, we, too, still have inside corruption surrounding our electoral processes like Afghanistan or Nigeria. Being a Communist state, though, this system to work for us.

Based on this information, Viet Nam strongly feels that each state has the right to decide its own electoral policies without interference from international groups such as the UN. As stated in the General Assembly Resolution 46/130, each nation has a different model of the electoral system that works for them; there is no standard model that an external group should enforce. However, we do believe that the UN has the responsibility to aid any state in need, including one that needs assistance to prevent electoral violence and provide for a smooth election. We propose a resolution in which the UN will honor the requests of nations that submit an appeal to help combat electoral corruption, but not interfere with the internal affairs of nations that do not ask for this assistance.