The Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of an Independent Election Management Body

Abstract

The Commonwealth works closely with election management bodies in all parts of the globe. It has, for instance, and in response to requests from the countries concerned, deployed a large number of election observation missions. It has also provided technical assistance and capacity-building support to strengthen the work of many Commonwealth election management bodies. Furthermore, the ‘Good Offices’ activity of the Secretary-General, which seeks to support countries experiencing specific political difficulties, often focuses on problems relating to functioning of the democratic system and the role of elections.