Democracy and Violence in Nigeria: A Reflection on 2007 and 2011 Post-Election Violence

Abstract

General elections in Nigeria are characterized by violence. The general elections of 2007 and 2011 are clear examples. Post-election violence in these elections are examined in this article. In doing this, the authors look critically at the causes of post-election violence in 2007 and 2011, analyse the 2007 and 2011 post—election violence, identify the perpetrators of the violence, the targets of the attacks, intensity and level of destruction and make recommendations.

Keywords: Democracy, election, violence, post-election violence.