The concept of operations is used to guide an EMB in developing and implementing its detailed operation plans - it provides the framework for operational planning under the strategic plan. It needs to acknowledge any constraints on the EMB’s planning, and be realistic in its assumptions with respect to issues such as security and stability, and other unforeseen circumstances that could affect electoral management and the preparation and conduct of elections. The operational concept should also take account of the establishment or otherwise of a proper legal framework, and the nature and scope of the electoral processes.

The concept of operations should emphasise the importance of the need for full participation of stakeholders, particularly voters. 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 preparation for voter registration; the conduct of voter registration; preparations for polling and counting; candidate registration; the political campaign; the polling; the counting and announcement of results; and post-election activities. Each operational activity needs to be targeted at the outcomes stated in the strategic plan.

Operational planning is most effective when those 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 resource availability and 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 harmonised through a committee of senior secretariat staff, possibly with EMB member involvement. EMB membership’s formal approval of operational plans emphasises their significance. Divisional plans need to be broken down to work unit and individual staffer level, to reinforce the importance of each EMB staffer in meeting EMB objectives and performance targets, and to provide a monitoring mechanism for staff and work unit performance.