The key role played by donor agencies in democracy building and electoral assistance around the world makes them an indispensable partner of many EMBs. Donor funding may go directly to an EMB, or through an intermediary, such as a government ministry. There may be a direct bilateral electoral assistance agreement with a donor, or multiple donors’ assistance may be channelled through arrangements such as a UN Trust Fund (as in Nepal in 2008 and in Timor-Leste in the period preceding the 2012 elections) or a UN Basket Fund (as in Kenya, Sudan and Yemen). In all cases, an EMB needs to ensure that all donor requirements — including budgets, project implementation reports and financial reports — and any requests for access to inspect the EMB’s activities are met with maximum efficiency and timeliness. Donor round tables can be used as a mechanism for an EMB to report on its progress in electoral administration and use of donor funding. Donors may require, and certainly appreciate, an EMB acknowledging donor assistance in its public relations events, publications and media productions.
