Future Changes Issues for EMBs and for the Code of Good Practice Peter Wardle United Kingdom Electoral Commission 10 th European Conference of Electoral Management Bodies, Chişin ă u, Republic of Moldova 27 June 2013

Support for EMBs Political/institutional understanding of/support for the independence and impartiality for EMBs Lack of resources where public spending is severely constrained? – inadequate funds, staffing, training

The electoral process Continue to look beyond the basic polling process Increasing focus on other key components of well-run elections – for example: Access to media Regulation of political finance The challenge of over-complex and/or outdated legislation

Electoral Participation ‘Established democracies’ – decline from 80%+ (1940s to 1960s), to around 75% (1990s) ‘All other states’ – peak around 80% in 1980s but steep decline to around 70% (1990s) (IDEA)

Participation: Role of political parties Where parties mobilize effectively, turnout improves Once contacted directly by parties/candidates, voters will be contacted again and again Voters respond to being asked to take part (not just by parties/candidates) (Karp, Banducci & Bowler)

Participation: Change the electoral system? Canadian study of varying turnout rates in 60 different countries since % higher - Compulsory voting (if enforced) 10% higher - Multiple methods/opportunities to vote 5-6% higher - Proportional/mixed compensatory voting systems (No systematic effect - Voting on weekends/holidays) (Elections Canada)

Participation: Young people and the ‘voting habit’ Most significant related to turnout – age Not new – but we now have a two-fold effect: – Simple age effect – Generational effect Silver lining? The voting habit, once acquired, is stronger than the non-voting habit….

Participation: Wider attitudes Declining level of political understanding/ interest Efficacy – ‘what’s in it for me?’ – ‘how can I influence politics through voting?’ – ‘Parliament lives in a parallel universe’ People turning to other forms of political expression

What can we do?

Support for EMBs – the next decade? Continuing need to support EMBs: – Strong international norms and standards? – Challenge observed threats to EMB independence or resources? – Study options to deliver elections more efficiently? International comparisons/ benchmarks?

The electoral process – the next decade? Greater focus on the wider electoral process: – Access to media? – Transparency/regulation of money in politics? – Benefits of incumbency? Principles for clearer legislation?

Electoral Participation – the next decade? Recognise we don’t have all the answers – but…. Electoral processes (eg voting methods)? Young people/education? More difficult: – Role of political parties – Electoral systems

Thank You