About Us
The Cambridge Conference on Electoral Democracy and its regional workshops in south Asia and Africa is an informal network of Electoral Commissioners and Chief Electoral Officers providing personal support and advice for the individuals who lead the election management body.
The Cambridge Conference is largely based around countries that belong to the Commonwealth, albeit by no means exclusively, and other countries or provincial commissioners are from time to time invited to participate.
The network is known as the ‘Cambridge’ network because it organises an annual conference, held in Cambridge, UK which has taken place since 2000. Since 2010 regular informal workshops for the South Asian members have also been held, and an inaugural workshop for heads of election management bodies from Africa was held in 2017. Virtual seminars have also taken place over recent years. The focus of the conferences, workshops and seminars is on identifying practical ways to support leaders of election management bodies using the experience of serving Commissioners and distinguished former Commissioners. Discussions are held under Chatham House rule, which allows participants to speak with confidence and candour about the challenges they face as leaders of their respective EMBs. Over time, positive bi-lateral and multi-lateral personal relationships have formed. The Conference facilitates bilateral study visits for newly appointed Commissioners and assistance visits from experienced Commissioners.