Chapter 8 Election Observation as a Conflict-Prevention Mechanism The occurrence of violent acts during elections has always undermined the impressive strides made in consolidating democracy in Ghana. These acts of violence – usually seen in the form of assault, molestation, murder, mob action, wanton destruction of property, disruption of campaign rallies and meetings, arbitrary detention and arrest without warrant – have occurred because of the absence of political tolerance; non­compliance of rules of orderly political competition; and the manipulation by political parties of deep, regional and ethnic cleavages(Chazan, 1982; Boafo-Arthur, 2006; Fridy, 2007: 281­305; Atuobi, 2008; Gyimah-Boadi, 2009). Various mechanisms have been developed to prevent and mange these violent acts when they occur and election observation remains one of the most visible mechanisms. By acting as effective guardians of election integrity, election observers have through their civic and peace education initiatives helped defuse tensions between political parties. In particular, the findings in their reports and occasional press briefings on the conduct of elections have contributed to reducing the tensions and conflicts that often characterize the political landscape during campaigning and in the aftermath of the official declaration of election results. Besides, their censure and recommendations in their reports have served to inform major institutional,procedural and electoral reforms in the country. The enactment of the Political Parties Law(Act 574, 2000) and the Political Parties Code of Conduct(2004/2008) by the EC attests to this fact. 260