ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses particularly on the significance of the effects of alternative institutional designs for the future sustainability of democratic politics, not on the processes related to the peace negotiations themselves and transitional justice, however important that might be for the immediate political climate. The chapter has selected cases that we believe are helpful in shedding light on the performance of power-sharing institutions in conflict-ridden societies. For each of the cases we describe the background and nature of the conflict, and where relevant the negotiation process and constitutional history. It presents the different power-sharing elements and discusses how they relate to building peace and democracy. Where relevant, it also discusses the expected benefits of alternative arrangements. In the conclusion of each case, we present a summary table which for each power-sharing element outlines the relevant preconditions, the existing system, the costs or risks of the present system and possible solutions.
