Summary: EMB Composition and Roles
- Independent and Mixed Model EMBs are guided by a ‘board’ of EMB members. With very few exceptions, Governmental Model EMBs do not have EMB members, only secretariat staff.
- There is no optimal number of members of an EMB or superiority of full-time or part-time EMB membership. The size of the country and its population, economic and geo-political issues, the EMB’s powers and functions, the strength of the EMB’s secretariat, and whether the EMB follows the Independent or the Mixed Model may determine the size and work schedule of the EMB membership.
- EMB members need to have sufficient status to entitle them to respect from their counterparts in other sectors of society, and constitutional or legal guarantees of their conditions of service and security of tenure sufficient to enable them to act without fear or favour.
- Independent and Mixed Model EMBs may have a membership that is multiparty – nominated by political parties qualified to do so, or expert - politically non-aligned members appointed on the basis of their professional skills, or combined – a mixture of political and professional appointees. Each type of membership may be suitable for a country, depending on its political environment and stage of democratic development.
- Fixed and secure terms of office for EMB members allows for institutional confidence and renewal. Staggering EMB members’ terms of office minimises disruptions and assists in retaining an EMB’s institutional memory.
- A quality EMB membership selection process can be achieved by open advertising for candidates and ranking all applicants according to a transparently applied ‘fit and proper’ test. The most widely accepted procedure for EMB appointment is for one branch of government to nominate and another to confirm. This process could start with the executive or judiciary and end with the legislature or vice versa.
- Electoral law would usually specify qualifications to be an EMB member, which would generally include citizenship, good repute, ability to act impartially, and professional qualifications or knowledge. They may include other factors such as age, health, holding or not holding specified positions (particularly in relation to political party membership or leadership), and residence.
- EMB members need to develop decision-making and management mechanisms suitable for the type of EMB and the country’s management culture. They need to adopt standing orders that ensure transparent EMB meeting and decision-making processes, and internal regulations for the good administration of the EMB. It may be useful for the EMB membership to form subcommittees dealing with various aspects of electoral administration.
- A good working relationship between an EMB’s members and its secretariat is critical for the effective functioning of the EMB.
