Situating Conflict Transformation Theory, Theory of Negative and Positive Peace and Human Needs Theory in Pre and Post-Electoral Violence Dynamics in Zimbabwe 

This paper looks at three theoretical frameworks; conflict transformation theory, theory of negative and positive peace and human needs theory and situates them in pre and post-electoral violence dynamics that have pervaded Zimbabwe's elections since independence in 1980. The paper appeals to the submissions of various theorists that contributed to the selected theories under discussion and then situate the Zimbabwean electoral experience in each and every theory. By so doing, the paper offers strategies to mitigate pre and post-electoral violence in Zimbabwe and also suggests approaches to arrest electoral violence. The paper suggests that the aforementioned theories are useful tools that could be used to mitigate electoral disputes that have been prevalent in Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in April 1980.