Operation Planning Module

The purpose of this Module is to support EMBs in conducting an operational planning process, to define the processes of the main stages involved in electoral operations and to analyse and establish the required operations support framework. In addition to the development of an overall comprehensive electoral plan, these processes require that activities and sub-activities be developed and elaborated on in detailed individual inputs from different EMB areas. The benefits are drawn out in terms of accountability, building confidence, limiting risk and developing risk mitigation strategies.
The operational planning process consists of both an analytical stage and a more practical stage. This module aims to provide the EMB with support on both of these stages. Initially, the module takes the participants through the electoral environment, policy decisions, legal framework, resources, internal and institutional fundamentals, and key operational planning concepts and methodologies. In the more practical second half of the module, support is provided for EMBs to undertake the operational planning process and to develop an overall comprehensive operational plan (which after the workshop will need to be further elaborated into individual operational plans for specific election elements).

Key Understandings

Effective operational planning is critical to the implementation of successful elections
The successful operational planning process is contingent upon the analysis of the parameters, and the continuous review and prioritising of tasks.
An operational plan should be flexible enough to accommodate necessary changes to meet unanticipated conditions, and proper risk analysis should enable an EMB in effectively predict evolving requirements, and be prepared to adapt and effectively respond to these.
Certain pre-conditions for holding credible elections need to be in place from the outset, and are requirements for developing a sound Operational Plan.
Consideration of EMB fundamental conditions, requirements, documents, relevant reports from the past, as well as overall electoral context, are key for a successful operational planning process.
The early and detailed identification of main stages of operations and definition of the processes are essential for completion of the comprehensive operational planning process.

Module Objectives

To support participants in understanding the concepts and methodologies of operational planning as a management tool, and how operational plans derive from the EMBs strategic plan.
To provide participants with an overall vision of the entire operational planning process, a complex large-scale set of operations, and the pre-conditions and parameters required before planning can start.
To identify time-bound activities that must strictly comply with existing electoral legislation.
To outline the various preparatory planning tasks, explain the main stages of operations, definition of processes, critical decisions, main tasks, activities and sub-activities.
To enable participants to prepare, implement and adjust a comprehensive operational planning process.