9 A fourth example of alternative dispute resolution processes used during elections is the establishment of Conflict Management Committees (CMCs) or community-based structures that assist the EMB in managing disputes between electoral stakeholders. Comprised of respected and impartial individuals, with proper training these structures have the capabilities to address concerns about the electoral process, instead of using the courts, which are often, expensive, inaccessible or too slow to be able to respond to the immediate concerns of political parties during election campaigns. In Zimbabwe, these committees are called Peace Comittees which have effectively, in the Makokoba and Harare North Constituencies, helped feuding MDC and Zanu-PF youths to come to a resolution that no youths from these two constituencies would throw stones at political rivals during and after election time1 Conclusion In order for post-election conflicts to be managed effectively, there is need to put effective and democratic governance structures in place. There is need for structures that allow for open expression of grievances and a realisation that disputes are supposed to be debated on and reacted to rather than being resolved definitively and permanently, for in dealing with disputes definitely and permanently, there are high chances of creating bitter losers who might see another conflict as the only way to seek recourse. In other words, conflicts should be managed in such a way that help bring the feuding parties to negotiate their differences and come up with structures and resolutions that, not only make the conflict management a process, but would also build structures upon which the parties can work together on disputes that might arise from the decisions that they would have made today. In short, implementing democratic governance structures, which allow for inclusive participation, equal chances for contestation and an assurance to ensuring the integrity of political competition and participation form the bedrock of effective conflict management structures. 1 Testimonies by Sihle Thebe (Zanu-PF Makokoba Constituency and Gift Ncube MDC Makokoba Constituency during a conflict resolution workshop in Nyanga on 12 September 2007.,

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