Independent EMBs are found under both the Independent and Mixed Models and are guided by a board of EMB members. With very few exceptions, EMBs under the Governmental Model, and governmental EMBs under the Mixed Model, do not have EMB members, only secretariat staff.
There is no optimal number of EMB members, and no general principle to indicate that either full- or part-time EMB membership is preferable. The size of the country and its population, economic and geopolitical issues; the EMB’s powers and functions; the strength of its secretariat; and whether electoral management follows the Independent or the Mixed Model may determine the size and work schedule of the EMB membership.
EMB members need to have sufficient status to entitle them to respect from their counterparts in other sectors of society, and constitutional or legal guarantees of their conditions of service and security of tenure sufficient to enable them to act without fear or favour.
Independent EMBs under the Independent and Mixed Models may have a membership that is multiparty (nominated by political parties qualified to do so) or expert (politically non-aligned members appointed on the basis of their professional skills) or a combination of political and professional appointees. The type of membership that is suitable for a particular country will depend on its political environment and stage of democratic development.
Fixed and secure terms of office for EMB members allow for institutional confidence and renewal. Staggering EMB members’ terms of office minimizes disruption and helps retain an EMB’s institutional memory.
A quality EMB membership selection process can be achieved by open advertising for candidates and ranking all applicants according to a transparently applied ‘fit and proper’ test. The most widely accepted procedure for EMB appointments is for one branch of government to nominate and another to confirm. This process could start with the executive or judiciary and end with the legislature, or vice versa.
Electoral law usually specifies the qualifications for EMB membership, which generally include citizenship, good repute, ability to act impartially, and professional qualifications or knowledge. They may include other factors such as age, health, holding or not holding specified positions, and residence.
EMB members need to develop decision-making and management mechanisms that are suitable for the type of EMB and the country’s management culture. They also need to adopt standing orders that ensure transparent EMB meeting and decision-making processes, and internal regulations for the effective administration of the EMB. It may be useful for the EMB membership to form subcommittees that deal with different aspects of electoral administration.
EMB meetings can be either closed or open to the public. Open meetings may promote greater trust in the EMB and its activities, while closed meetings may allow more open discussion on sensitive matters.
A good working relationship between EMB members and its secretariat is critical for effective functioning of the EMB.
