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222 ENHANCING ELECTIONS AS INSTRUMENTS OF DEMOCRACY IN THE ASEAN REGION

3. The degree of influence and intervention exercised by
the state over the IEC affects the Commission’s independence,

impartiality, and competence. There is a need to set and define further
the parameters of state interventions (extent of oversight powers and
limits) in IEC affairs in order to ensure its independence, and so as not

to impede its function and growth as an institution. Likewise, it is also
necessary to have in place provisions that will enable greater transparency

in the process of Commissioner nomination, vetting, and appointments,
and transparency in the administration of the Commission thereafter
in order to ensure institutional competence in the performance of

mandated functions and, consequently, increase public confidence in
the Commission.

4. Different approaches to election management and
administration are in place in the two countries. Regardless of the

approach employed, IECs increasingly realize the need for “force
multipliers” in election management, administration, and monitoring.
Institutional reform initiatives for IECs must take into account the debate

on whether centralized and more streamlined organizational structures or
devolved but coordinated structures work better. Ultimately, efficiency

and effectiveness can be achieved through a balanced and strategic
employment of institutional oversight and control, and the engagement
of “force multipliers” not just from government but also from academic

institutions, media outfits (both traditional and new media), non-
government organizations, citizen groups, and volunteers that can provide

technical and logistical assistance to the Commission, and open up novel
opportunities for “last-mile initiatives” that will engage more actively the
voting public/ electorate.