Foundations of Electoral Management

Elections are the cornerstone of democratic political processes, serving as a mechanism for political parties or candidates to compete for public office under equal conditions before the electorate. For an election to be credible, the competition must be fair, requiring impartial management of the process.  International IDEA has published a range of foundational knowledge resources on the topic, this includes Independence in Electoral Management (2021), Evolution of Ballot Papers, a Virtual Exhibition (Timeline, 2021), Financing of Elections  multimedia report (2020), Electoral Management Design Handbook (2014),   Electoral System Design Handbook (2005), Electoral System Design Database and the Code of Conduct for Ethical and Professional Administration for Elections (1997). 

Moreover, International IDEA has published six case studies examining the financing of electoral management bodies (EMBs) and electoral activities.

• Financing Electoral Management Body and Electoral Activity Costs in Sri Lanka (September 2025)
• Financing Electoral Management Body and Electoral Activity Costs in Czechia (May 2025)
• Financing Electoral Management Body and Electoral Activity Costs in Liberia (August 2024)
• Financing Electoral Management Body and Electoral Activity Costs in the UK (April 2024)
• Financing Electoral Management Body and Electoral Activity Costs in Kenya (February 2024)
• Financing Electoral Management Body and Electoral Activity Costs in Nepal (February 2024)