Electoral Reform Free and fair elections are a fundament of sustainable peace and democracy. This is specifically the case in deeply-polarized societies or in post-conflict settings where democratic elections can contribute to and complement local reconciliation initiatives. However, it must be noted that in post-conflict environments, election campaigns run the risk of being mobilized against one or another side to the former conflict. This may lead to an increase in tensions, a deepening of existing divisions, or—in the worst case—to a relapse into conflict. Therefore, electoral reform should be put high on the agenda of international actors in their efforts to build sustainable peace and security after violent conflict. In South-Eastern Europe, the OSCE has played different roles in assisting electoral reform. This has included direct administration of elections when local capacities were weak, but also capacity and institution building of electoral management bodies at national and local levels. The OSCE’s engagement also included support for the establishment of voter lists, work with political parties, and support for the active involvement of women and minority groups in political life. The OSCE has further promoted voter education, for instance, through civic democratic education initiatives. 61