It is common for some of the potential non-core functions of an EMB to be assigned in the electoral legal framework to another institution. It is becoming more common for some non-core functions to be contracted out by an EMB or supported by other institutions or civil society organizations (CSOs), but this is a management rather than a legal framework issue. Functions that are often assigned in the legal framework to an institution separate from the EMB(s) include boundary delimitation, voter registration, the registration and funding of political parties, electoral dispute resolution, the certification and announcement of election results, and voter education and information. If electoral functions are assigned to more than one institution, the legal and policy framework needs to be very clear on each institution’s functional responsibilities, and on the hierarchy of authority and coordination mechanisms between the institutions.
