The new International IDEA Handbook on “Electoral Management Design” is an attempt to bring together the available experience in designing, and improving the performance of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs). Through chapters that canvass electoral management options, provide examples of electoral management practices and provide guidance on good practices, through case studies, and comparative tables. The handbook includes 25 cases studies from around the world, a comparative survey on electoral management structures 214 EMBs, a glossary and a global map on electoral management models around the world.

Building trust and professionalism in the management of electoral processes remains a major challenge for Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), the institutions and/or bodies that are responsible for managing elections. Electoral management is not only about administrative efficiency but also promoting public confidence in the management of electoral processes. The higher the quality, accuracy, integrity and responsiveness in administrating electoral processes, the more likely these processes will be perceived as credible.The ‘credibility gap’ – the diminished public confidence in the integrity and diligence for many electoral institutions and their activities – is a common problem for EMBs around the world. This new IDEA handbook addresses this problem and identifies ways to improve the management of elections and the trust in the electoral processes.

Many EMBs face basic design questions as they seek to work better. How should EMBs be structured and composed to ensure that they can act independently? How do EMBs relate to stakeholders such as the media, political parties and donors? How can EMBs evaluate their performance and use experience to build sustainable elections? How can they gain trust from the public?

The Electoral Management Design Handbook is written for electoral administrators, electoral administration designers and other practitioners involved in building professional, sustainable and cost-effective electoral administrations which can deliver legitimate and credible free and fair elections. In addition, the Electoral Management Design Handbook also targets policy makers, reformers, political parties and academics by providing a comprehensive analysis of common issues faced by EMBs, from defining the powers and functions of an EMB to exploring stakeholders relationships and performance assessment methodologies.

The Handbook is a comparative study that shares best practices and know-how from around the world on financing, structuring and evaluation of Electoral Management Bodies. It brings together global field experiences in electoral administration and presents best-practice solutions in a non-prescriptive and user-friendly way. It can be used to enhance the capacity of EMBs worldwide.

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“As both emerging and established democracies across the world strengthen their commitment to enhanced electoral reforms and professionalism in electoral administration, the need for a single source of information on the common themes and issues faced by all electoral administrators has never been more manifest. This Handbook is an essential tool for building the institutional capacity, sustainability, and professionalism of electoral management bodies and will help to ensure the sustainability of electoral structures and increase the legitimacy of, and public confidence in, electoral processes. The knowledge and expertise shared in this Handbook provide valuable ideas and practices for improving the performance of electoral management bodies. I am certain that this informative and practical new edition will benefit anyone with an interest or a stake in the successful administration of democratic elections.”

Jean-Pierre Kingsley, Chief Electoral Officer of Canada

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The Electoral Management Design Handbook can be downloaded, free of charge at: http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/
To order hard copies, send an email to publications@idea.int