Ethnicity and diversity have become important factors in the organization of multiparty democratic elections, especially in many emerging democratic societies, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina. As with gender balance, ethnic balance relates to enforcing any candidate quotas, the composition of the EMB members and staff, as well as internal policies and the delivery of voter information and education.

In Tanzania, the chair and vice-chair must be representatives of the two sides of the union—the mainland and Zanzibar. The composition of the EMB in Bosnia and Herzegovina must contain two Croats, two Bosniacs and one ‘other’; a member from each group holds the presidency of the commission on a 21-month rotation.

The ethnic mix of local commissions and staff is also specified by law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This approach is more likely to gain the confidence and support of all ethnic groups for the EMB’s credibility and even-handedness, which will have positive effects on the eventual acceptance of election results. The preparation of election materials and voter information, including the EMB website, in the full range of languages spoken in the country is an important component of recognizing ethnic diversity and the right of all to participate.