The main electoral management body (EMB)[1] is responsible for administering elections. Such bodies are expected to fully, fairly and impartially implement the norms, regulations and procedures contained in the legal framework. This involves dealing with technical issues, as well as making decisions about policy-related matters.

In many countries, the main EMB is also authorized or required to issue electoral regulations, including those with binding force over some or all of the following: Election officials and workers, political parties and candidates, party/candidate representatives and supporters, voters, and other government officials.  (The main EMB also usually develops specific procedures for such matters as voter and candidate registration, voting, and vote counting.)

To fulfill its primary role of holding credible elections, an EMB generally carries out the following tasks:

Administer the electoral process in full accordance with the law

Electoral administrators are expected to administer the process impartially and in accordance with all legal requirements. The laws must be upheld and the EMB should be fully accountable for its implementation of them.

If there is a problem with the law, the electoral management body would be expected to bring it to the attention of the proper authorities for consideration/correction rather than selectively implementing the law, which can lead to serious integrity issues.

Maintain a professional, neutral and transparent administration

Professional and transparent administration of the process is an essential ingredient for building trust. Decision-making and operations should be as accurate and transparent as possible. The electoral management body should also comport itself in such a way that it is perceived as independent and impartial; otherwise, it will lose credibility. To avoid the perception of favouring a particular outcome, actions of the administration should be transparent and must provide as much information as possible and in a timely manner to political parties, candidates, the media, observers and the public.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance has developed a model code of conduct for electoral administrators to help them maintain election integrity.[2]

Adopt procedures to safeguard the integrity of its operations

The internal management and operational procedures adopted by the EMB have a significant impact on the perceived integrity of the electoral process. The procedures that are adopted and implemented are generally recorded and regularly made available for public information and inspection. The relevant procedures usually cover every aspect of electoral administration, including election management, internal management, recruitment and supervision, and operating procedures, including rules for procurement. (For more detailed discussion of mechanisms to protect integrity at every stage of administering an election, see Integrity in Election Administration.)

Identify and assess integrity risks, and take preventive or corrective action

EMB internal management and operational procedures could include mechanisms for identifying integrity risks, assessing them, and ensuring that the proper persons or agencies are contacted and corrective action is taken as soon as possible. An EMB will often need to ensure it has a functional mechanism for receiving and dealing with complaints made by political parties, observers or oversight agencies. This is an important factor contributing to the integrity of the electoral system and promoting accountability on the part of administrators and participants.

Promote voter awareness of electoral integrity

To the extent possible, the EMB should provide information to citizens about the electoral system, the mechanisms safeguarding its integrity and the need for citizens to take an active role in the protection of their electoral rights. Such information may be distributed through press briefings, voter education programs and civic education programs in schools.