7 positive where, as a result of the talks between Zanu-PF and MDC, which are mediated by the South African President, the two parties have agreed to come up with new electoral laws, a repeal of draconian legislation like AIIPA and POSA and the amendment of the constitution demonstrate the prospects that neighbours might bring towards effectively managing conflicts in the region. Another effective way of managing post-election conflict is by learning from the conflicts, ways to, avoid such disputes arising again in the future. At the beginning, I alluded to the creation of a democratic playing field during and after election time as a way of managing conflict. I make recommendations here that the following instruments, if put in place effectively, would not only promote the growth of democracy in the region, but would help in managing conflict arising during and after elections. Independent Electoral Management Body (EMB) In addition to the formal dispute resolution structures put in place the EMB in itself can play a critical conflict management and conflict resolution role. To be able to effectively act as supervisor, manager and monitor of an election it presupposes that the EMB is an independent, impartial and non-partisan institution that has the trust of the electorate and the political parties to act fairly and in an even-handed manner when supervising the elections, as well as when it is called upon to assist in managing and resolving election related disputes that have the potential to hinder the smooth functioning of the EMB and ultimately the electoral process. In this light, the EMB can form structures that can be put in place to resolve disputes, during and after elections like the political Party Liaison Committees (PPLCs). Political Party Liaison Committees In most southern African countries e.g. Tanzania, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, party liaison committees have been established by the Electoral Management Bodies as a form of communication between themselves and the political parties contesting the elections. Issues that form part of the agenda for the Party Liaison Committees include matters related to the Code of Conduct, including infringements of its provisions, legislative infringements,