On the nature of first democratic elections

This article investigates voting behavior and policy outcomes when violence can occur after the election. The author finds that under complete informa tion, voters will prefer the weak party-that is, the party that is the leas t capable of controlling violence. Under incomplete information, however, v iolence might occur, and voters could prefer the party the most capable of controlling violence. Finally, the author shows that despite this likely vo ting outcome, the weak party will choose to participate nonaggressively in the election, providing legitimacy to the new democratic process.