For the implementation of a single election, there are a number of processes or phases that are involved.  In some cases more than one kind of election is held at the same time, creating an even further complicated set of phases.  If the EMB Media Relations Department has a clear understanding of what these phases are and what each entails, specifically with regard to engagement with media, they will be better able to fashion messages accordingly.   These phases will be different for different countries and different kinds of elections, however the following are fundamental to all democratic elections:

• Pre-election period;
• Pre-campaign period;
• Campaign period;
• Voting day;
• The count and results;
• Post-election period.

Much of the preparation for media relations during these phases can be done in advance. Even when the exact content of media materials cannot be predicted, the schedule of communications can be included in a comprehensive plan that can be developed at a very early stage in the election process. This plan will be the EMB media strategy and was discussed in the section Developing A Media Relations Strategy. Having an overall plan for the phases will allow the whole process to run more smoothly by, for example, establishing exactly the moments when a press release needs to be distributed or a media briefing held.

The following is an in-depth look at of each of the phases.