Cambridge Conference on Electoral Democracy

The Cambridge Conference on Electoral Democracy has been held annually since 2000. The Conference is held in Cambridge, UK each year. Participants are drawn primarily, but not exclusively, from countries of the Commonwealth. Commissioners from both mature and developing democracies attend regularly. Invitations are generally extended to the head of the EMB only.

 

Thematic discussions take place under Chatham House rule, where participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed. Adopting this principle provides confidence that Electoral Commissioners can speak freely and with a mind to providing real and practical assistance to their colleagues.​

 

The ability to bring together electoral commissioners in a relaxed and confidential environment for candid discussions is unique. This approach allows Commissioners to focus on their needs as leaders of their respective agencies by confronting difficult issues not easily dealt with in other formal fora. Moreover, this approach promotes exceptional leadership in electoral commissioners, giving them moral and personal support and an ability to freely and comfortably call their colleagues at any time for support.

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Conference dates can be found here. A number of virtual seminars were also held during the period of travel and health restrictions associated with the pandemic. Details of the virtual seminars can be found here.

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