Elections must not lead to violence in Africa.

It is true that democracy does not encompass elections only, but peaceful and transparent elections is one of the hallmarks of a great democracy. Its election time in Zambia. Literally, in the next four days, Zambians will be heading to the election booths. Nigeria's election is not too far off, and the heated debate between Goodluck Jonathan supporters and Buhari supporters is bound to escalate. Why is it that election times are usually a period of tension in Africa. Unless a candidate wins by a landslide, say over a million votes, tension and chaos usually follows. 
I have lived through an election violence and its not a very nice experience. Everyone begins looking at you through the ethnic angle, and even in shops and supermarkets, you only go to shops where you will feel safe. How can we make elections in Africa peaceful, and encourage the spirit of being able to concede defeat-
even if you lose by a single vote. How can we make the winning candidates to be magnanimous in victory. Most of all, how can we ensure that the election referees are above board.

One way we can encourage peaceful elections is to ensure that the process of picking the election candidates is free and fair. Too often, many parties impose their candidates on the electorate, which removes the freedom of choice from the voters. Therefore, strong and reliable parties that can withstand the test of time, and not parties formed to merely win elections, could be the panacea to the election chaos experienced in the country.

Also, it would be imperative that we detribalise our parties. Parties should be formed based on ideologies than on ethnic makeup, which makes elections to be a contest between tribes rather than a contest between ideas.