Election Investigations Guidebook transparency to the electoral investigations process, promotes efficient use of an investigative body’s resources, and ensures a systematic and uniform fact-finding process.81 Several countries use comprehensive investigation plans to manage criminal investigations. For instance, the American Bar Association’s Standards for Prosecutorial Investigation emphasize the importance of a public prosecutor’s collaboration with other participating agencies for devising an investigation plan that includes information on the case available at the outset of the investigation, investigation goals, anticipated investigation techniques, and any legal issues that may arise during the investigation.82 Investigative bodies should require investigators to review work plans and any attached materials, as well as to acquire an understanding of the laws relevant to their assignment, before initiating an investigation.83 Elections Canada Work Plan for Investigation of Alleged Election Offenses Elections Canada prepares a “work assignment letter” that contains the following information: • Steps, goals, and objectives of the investigation; • Priority level for the investigation, expected timeframe for the completion of the investigation, and reporting requirements; • Name of the Special Investigator responsible for the investigation; • Relevant documentation; • Summary of preliminary assessment findings and relevant investigation reports, election documents, and records related to the alleged offense; • Documentation of the Commissioner’s approval for the investigation and copies of all relevant documentation published by Elections Canada to assist in understanding the law; 81 See, e.g., UNDP Investigation Guidelines 2012, supra note 6, ¶ 8.3. 82 American Bar Ass’n, Standards for Prosecutorial Investigations §§ 1.3(e)(i)–(iv) (2008) [hereinafter ABA Standards for Prosecutorial Investigations]. 83 48 Id. § 4.