Introducing the Deadly Electoral Conflict Dataset (DECO)

This article introduces the Deadly Electoral Conflict dataset (DECO): a global, georeferenced event on electoral violence with lethal outcomes from 1989 to 2017. DECO allows for empirical evaluation of theories relating timing, location, and dynamics deadly violence. By clearly distinguishing related (and sometimes concurrent) instances organized violence, is particularly suitable investigating how election-related connected other forms violent political contention. In article, we present theoretical methodological underpinnings data collection discuss patterns that emerge in DECO. We also demonstrate one potential use by examining association between United Nations peacekeeping forces prevalence conflict-affected countries.