• is not a party activist (at least in the period immediately preceding their
taking up the position);
• has a record of honesty and professionalism; and
• is committed to upholding the democratic rule of law.
Such a person is more likely to attract a significant consensus among all the
political forces around his or her appointment. This bestows greater legitimacy
and general trustworthiness on the electoral process. In addition, it would be
advisable to provide the person chosen with guarantees, such as job security,
independence, a level of remuneration that reflects the importance of the
position, and immunity from criminal prosecution. Their position may be
incompatible with other tasks and there may be a need for a temporary
disqualification from holding certain political positions at the end of the
appointment (see chapter 6).
5. The performance of the EMB and the EDRB:
professionalism, functional independence and
commitment to democratic principles
65. The EMB entrusted with organizing or administering the electoral processes
may be independent, governmental or a mix of both. Whichever model is
used, professionalism in the actions of an EMB should be understood as the
appropriate performance in a timely manner of the functions of organizing
the electoral process, in keeping with legal and ethical principles.
66. Professionalism as a guiding principle of the functioning of the
organization and holding of electoral processes is based primarily on
creating a career civil service (if possible or necessary, one that is specialized
in electoral matters) and the establishment of clear rules on the relevant
legal instruments for the selection or recruitment, promotion and mobility
of the EMB personnel. This ensures that the security of such jobs is not
at the mercy of electoral cycles or related to the renewal of government
authorities or political interests.
67. In addition, professionalism should be understood as the formation of
a corps of fully trained electoral officials and staff, and gradual reductions
in the levels of improvisation that can lead to serious deviations from the
rules. Professionalization, in addition to increasing the levels of preparation
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3. Prevention of electoral disputes
64. Balancing or offsetting partial or conflicting interests is not the same thing
as ensuring impartiality. This is the case even if there is a general consensus
among the political forces that select the members of the highest-level organs
of the EMB and the EDRB. It is more viable to achieve impartiality, which
can only be shown by actual performance in the position, by ensuring that
the person to whom decision making has been entrusted: