Election management is a very complex activity and requires a very large number of staff. A strong Human Resources Division or a Personnel Office will play a key role in the success of the electoral process. A high quality advance planning with clear definition on what categories of staff are needed and how they will be selected is crucial. Before staff can be appointed, a clear description of what the job entails and what sort of person will fill it needs to be prepared. Such preparation normally entails putting together some form of overall structure of staff and responsibilities. Any structure should have regard to the separate and distinct functions undertaken prior to, during, and after the election. An EMB structure could include specific divisions for human resources, information technology, operations, finance, legal services, public information, etc.
Good employment practices should be adopted to the greatest possible extent. Pay scales, conditions of service, ordering of office equipment, office administration, petty cash, and so on, although perhaps considered minor issues, all need to be in place to contribute to the successful organisation of the election process.
