When the Electoral Management Body (EMB) designs and implements its policies and activities, it needs to take into account the concerns and needs of political parties and candidates. Parties and candidates are key stakeholders in the elections – they are the ones carrying out campaigns, monitoring the process, and ultimately gaining or loosing elected office. It is in the interest of both the EMB and the parties and candidates to maintain good relations throughout the process. Unless the EMB has an open-door policy and treats all parties and candidates equally, its policies and programs will attract opposition and criticism that will make it difficult for the EMB to enjoy widespread support. Regular joint meetings with political parties – at least one per month and perhaps more frequently during an election period – can provide a framework for this mutual communication.
It is important that political parties be involved in consultations about setting the EMB’s strategic objectives and in evaluations of its performance. As a key customer, political parties’ and candidates’ opinions on the EMB’s focus, priorities, and service provided are a useful ingredient in improving electoral management. During election periods, regular consultation with political parties and candidates can promote agreement on the EMB’s timetables, processes, and outputs, as well as ensure that parties and candidates remain fully informed of all aspects of the electoral process. After each election, it is useful for the EMB to include political parties in general consultations with stakeholders on how to improve the electoral framework.
The type of relationship that the political parties and candidates may have with the EMB differs between countries. At times, parties form part of the election commission itself, while in other cases, there are even few consultation mechanisms.
