Electoral Reform vote in a more secure environment. This was ensured by a heavy police presence at and around polling stations. However, tensions and intimidation remained evident in the interim period. Parties engaged in strong rhetoric which sometimes led to physical violence, despite all parties having publicly condemned violence and intimidation. To prevent, or at least minimize, further possibilities of violence, in particular in the former conflict areas, the OSCE organized several roundtables prior to the next elections. These brought together the main political actors to use dialogue as a prevention tool. This practice was then applied to several election cycles in numerous municipalities. Securing the participation of municipal heads of political parties, the OSCE was able to facilitate an agreement that there was no place for violence during campaigning. The participants even provided the details of local branch leaders and election co-ordinators who could be contacted if any of their activists caused trouble during the campaign. The roundtables provided a space for dialogue that helped reduce tensions and increase awareness about issues of concern. The ability to communicate directly with the relevant local institutions, such as the public prosecutor, the ombudsperson, and the police, was much appreciated by all participants. The fact that OSCE, through ODIHR, monitored the process was perceived by the local population as insurance for the future accountability of local politicians. At the same time, the roundtables allowed the OSCE to exercise its early warning role as several issues of concern were raised in the forums, thus identifying possible conflict triggers and tipping points. 66