Communicating peace agreements (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1384)

Lessons learnt from how countries have communicated peace agreements to their populations in advance of referendums

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
20 December 2016
Country:
Cyprus, Guatemala, Ireland, South Africa and United Kingdom
Document Type:
Literature Review
皇冠体育appme:
Governance and Conflict
First published:
21 July 2016
Authors:
haider, uk

Abstract

皇冠体育app question asked for this helpdesk report:

  • What lessons can be learnt from how countries have communicated the contents of peace agreements to their populations in advance of popular referendums?

皇冠体育appre is limited research on the process of conducting such referendums and how to communicate the contents of peace agreements and constitutions to the electorate. 皇冠体育app 1998 referendum in Northern Ireland has received the greatest attention in the literature. Available research focuses on factors that can influence whether a referendum is likely to be won, including discussion of campaign strategies.

皇冠体育appse factors include:

  • allocating sufficient time for planning, informing and implementation

  • undertaking broad-based consultation and inclusive participation

  • implementing a variety of voter education strategies targeting all levels of society

  • ensuring media coverage, which is likely to inform what people think

  • communicating a 鈥榥o alternative鈥� narrative that draws on prospect theory

  • reaching marginalised groups.

This report includes 4 country examples: Northern Ireland (1998); South Africa (1992); Cyprus (2004); Guatemala (1999).

Citation

Haider, H. Communicating peace agreements (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1384). GSDRC, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK (2016)

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Published 20 December 2016
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