An Integrated Approach to Elections and Conflict private security) and from informal or civilian efforts (mediation between political parties, or actions by community leaders or dialogue committees). Effective conflict response strategies involve coordinated efforts by each sector. Responding to election conflict can be among the more challenging activities for all actors involved. This is why conflict analysis, prevention and resolution are so important. Effective, practical and cost-effective conflict mitigation requires adequate EMB authority for clearly-defined integrity and enforcement mechanisms, cross-sector information sharing and public advocacy for peace. Enforcement and integrity mechanisms, often involving official channels, can ensure that parties adhere to codes of conduct, political finance regulations and other regulations and procedures. However, perceived bias, lack of enforcement power or lack of proportional sanctions can inhibit their effectiveness. Institutional capacity building in the period between elections can help alleviate these issues. Holding offenders accountable reduces the perception of impunity, which can lead to lack of hope among the public and can make violence a more attractive tool for resolving political disputes or influencing electoral processes. In the security sector, responses can include investigation of incidents; arrests of perpetrators; guarding of materials and facilities; patrols of campaign convoys and rallies; and military operations to neutralize areas of open conflict. JOCs, as discussed in relation to conflict analysis and prevention activities in environments with heightened security threats, may consider their main function to be coordinating conflict responses. Ideally, as described above, a comprehensive and inclusive security plan has already been developed, and has set out rules of engagement, force deployments and other protocols that include actions for prevention as well as for mitigation and management of conflict. Post-conflict countries or those experiencing armed conflicts will, of course, require very different responses than more stable environments. While international and domestic military forces may take the lead in the former, in the latter, it is generally domestic law enforcement that is the first responder. To ensure adequate implementation of security plans, planning should be done early (as part of conflict analysis and prevention) and should inform training programs, as mentioned above, for both EMB staff and involved security forces. However, planning cannot anticipate every conflict that may manifest. Good communication and coordination across sectors will ensure timeliness and flexibility in responses if conflict escalates. The justice sector should be prepared to respond to electoral crimes and wrongdoing that may fall under criminal or civil law, and for the specific procedures required for resolving issues filed under the electoral complaints mechanism. The ability to indict, prosecute and convict perpetrators of violence is crucial, given the level of impunity which often accompanies electoral violence. In some countries, such as Guatemala, a special task force is created to deal with investigation and prosecution of electoral violence. Challenges with this include the ability to correctly identify acts of electoral violence and the overall level of trust between the agency, the public and political parties. The key is to identify weaknesses in the current system and move to correct them in the best manner for the country context, between elections, before violence erupts. Informal or locally-driven responses include multi-stakeholder groups such as those described above, as well as mediation by community leaders, party leaders or others. Advocacy, promotion of nonviolence, and early warning and troubleshooting mechanisms can be organized by civil society groups. However, relationships with state, electoral and security sectors should be pursued to ensure that the information can be used for a timely response. The EMB or local government officials may have unofficial mechanisms to respond to unfolding conflict situations. Additionally, training election officials, political parties, candidate representatives and observers on how to gather accurate, credible information on electoral breaches as well as how to disseminate information in a non-inflammatory manner, can tip the scale against growing violence. Responsible media reporting can also help control flare-ups of violence by offering accurate information to counter rumors and hate speech. 14