Electoral management encompasses both the entity responsible for governing elections and the various mechanisms, roles and
functions this entity may have. While all democracies have an election
administration of some kind (often referred to as Electoral Management Bodies, or
EMBs for short), the responsibilities of this entity may vary substantially. From
only being responsible for the polling, conducting and tabulating of votes, EMB
responsibilities can extend to also include registration of political parties, oversight
of campaign finance, design of the ballot papers, drawing of electoral
boundaries, resolution of electoral disputes, civic and voter education and
media monitoring.
Consequently, electoral management bodies vary greatly in
shape and size. However, as the agencies responsible for governing elections
and referenda, EMBs are ultimately responsible for safeguarding the legitimacy
of democratic institutions and the peaceful transitions of power. Therefore,
they need to ensure all aspects of any electoral contest meets global norms and
follows the fundamental guiding principles of elections, including independence,
impartiality, integrity, transparency, efficiency, professionalism and
service-mindedness.
This Electoral Management Encyclopaedia topic seeks to bring together the
knowledge and expertise that has been gathered worldwide about the structure
and functioning of Electoral Management Bodies. By highlighting key principles
and good practices from different parts of the world, the aim of this topic is
to promote professional, impartial, accountable, and sustainable electoral
management and EMBs that perform in the best interest of the voters.
