In many parts of the world, national or regional electoral support networks have been formed that comprise CSOs such as democracy promotion organizations, media organizations, human rights organizations, women’s organizations, religious-based groups and other community-based organizations. Examples include the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) and the faith- based People’s Voter Education Network (JPPR) in Indonesia at the national level, and the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the SADC Electoral Support Network at the regional level. While some electoral support networks specialize in election monitoring or observation, many support EMBs in areas such as research on electoral matters, training, and voter education and information. Electoral support networks can be effective partners for EMBs, using links to local communities and access to funds — particularly donor funds in emerging democracies — to augment their skills base and enhance information flows to and from them.
