The operational concept provides the framework for operational  planning under the strategic plan. It is important to integrate the operational concept with the electoral cycle, and to link operational planning with each phase of the cycle. The operational concept takes account of the establishment of a proper legal framework, and the nature and scope of the electoral processes. It needs to acknowledge any constraints on the EMB’s planning, and be realistic in its assumptions about issues such as security and stability, and any unforeseen circumstances that could affect electoral management and the preparation and conduct of elections. The importance of stakeholders’ full participation should be stressed in the operational concept.

For the purposes of detailed planning and effective administration, the operational concept may divide an electoral process into several phases, for example, the establishment of the legal and administrative framework; the preparations for voter registration; the conduct of voter registration; preparations for polling and counting; candidate registration; the political campaign; polling; the counting and announcement of results; and post-election activities. Each operational activity needs to be targeted at the objectives stated in the strategic plan.

Operational planning is most effective when the staff implementing the activities are involved in their planning. Operational plans may set yearly or longer-term operational targets and be broken down into half-yearly, quarterly, monthly and weekly segments, taking into account the availability of resources and the legal and operational deadlines for effective electoral service delivery. Operational plans for each EMB activity need to be split into divisional workloads, and may be harmonized through a committee of senior secretariat staff, possibly with EMB member involvement. The EMB membership’s formal approval of operational plans emphasizes the significance of the plan. Divisional plans need to be broken down to the work unit and individual level, to reinforce the importance of each EMB staff member meeting the organization’s objectives and performance targets, and to provide a monitoring mechanism for staff and work unit performance.