GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT
An EMB is an organization or body that has the sole purpose of, and is legally responsible for, managing some or all of the elements that are essential for the conduct of elections and direct democracy instruments, such as referendums, citizens’ initiatives and recall votes - if those are part of the legal framework. In the context of elections, sustainability refers to electoral policies and practices that are cost effective and realistic, and meet the needs of stakeholders in the electoral processes both now and in the future. The challenge of sustainability is more pronounced among EMBs in emerging democracies, which often rely heavily on donor aid. Economic and political hardships may prevent these countries from being able to wholly fund their own elections themselves. Sustainability aims to minimize reliance on external inputs and resources. EMB sustainability is not defined only in financial terms; it also includes the social and political returns on its activities. For example, a post-conflict country may use expensive voting systems and procedures that may not be sustainable in economic terms, but that may be politically essential in the short term to build trust among stakeholders and lasting peace and stability in the country.
KEY WORDS: Electoral Management Body, Sustainability, Needs Assessment, Donor Support