Alternative electoral dispute resolution mechanism (AEDR mechanism) AEDR mechanisms may exist alongside formal EDR mechanisms or come into being on an ad hoc basis or during exceptional circumstances. They provide for one or more parties to a conflict to initiate a process to resolve it, unilaterally, bilaterally, or through a third party or agency. In the latter case, the equivalent judicial mechanisms are conciliation, mediation and arbitration. Alternative electoral dispute resolution (AEDR) Bodies/institutions and/or mechanisms that operate outside the legally established EDRBs and/or system which handle, deal with and/or settle disputes related to electoral processes. These are usually informal/traditional bodies and/or mechanisms, such as ad hoc committees for the supervision of compliance with codes of conduct, traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, non-governmental/civil society organizations, etc. Annulment Making void. There are three types of annulment: the annulment of a single ballot; the annulment of the votes received at a particular polling station; and the annulment of an entire election. Appeal A request made to a higher EDRB to confirm, reverse or modify a decision made by a lower EDRB. Arbitration Binding voluntary arbitration: A process in which the disputing parties choose and agree a neutral person to hear their dispute and resolve it by making a final and binding decision or award. Arbitration is an adversarial, adjudicative process designed to resolve the specific issues submitted by the parties. Arbitration differs significantly from litigation in that (1) it does not require conformity with the legal rules of evidence and procedure, (2) there is flexibility in timing and choice of decision makers, and (3) the proceeding is conducted in private rather than in a public forum. Binding arbitration awards are usually enforceable by courts, so long as there are no defects in the arbitration procedure. Mandatory non-binding arbitration: This form of arbitration follows from court proceedings. Court-appointed arbitrators hear cases subject to jurisdictional limits set out in the relevant legislation and regulations. The losing party has the right to a new trial (trial de novo) in the trial court. Arbitrator An attorney or other person selected to hear a case and settle a dispute without a formal trial, through a process of arbitration. Boundary delimitation The process for determining the way in which constituency or electoral area boundaries are drawn; it deals with the division of a country into electoral districts and the allocation of electors to electoral districts and polling sites. Sometimes called districting or boundary demarcation. Also known as delimitation. 196