The Independent Model of electoral management exists in those countries where elections are organized and managed by an EMB which is institutionally independent and autonomous from the executive branch of government, and which has and manages its own budget. Under the Independent Model, an EMB is not accountable to a government ministry or department. It may be accountable to the legislature, the judiciary, or the head of state. EMBs under the Independent Model may enjoy varying degrees of financial autonomy and accountability, as well as varying levels of performance accountability. They are composed of members who are outside the executive while in EMB office. Many new and emerging democracies have chosen the Independent Model of electoral management.

Examples of EMBs under the Independent Model as of 2006 include:

Indonesia
Liberia
Mauritius
Nigeria
Poland
South Africa
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Uruguay

Armenia
Australia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Burkina Faso
Canada
Costa Rica
Estonia
Georgia
India

 
In some countries, two bodies are established for the management of elections, both of which are independent of the executive and can be considered as independent EMBs. One of these bodies is likely to have responsibility for policy decisions relating to the electoral process, and the other to be responsible for conducting and implementing the electoral process. Provisions may exist which insulate the implementation EMB from interference by the policy EMB in staffing and operational matters. Examples of this ‘double-independent’ framework under the Independent Model include:

Jamaica

Romania

Suriname

Vanuatu