Understanding the election cycle and the operational capability of an EMB is critical to creating a strong program. In giving consideration to timing, the program organiser could look at using BRIDGE as a pre-election planning tool, or using post-election evaluation as part of the planning component. Program developers should identify the most appropriate time to conduct module workshops that align with organisational priorities (and that don’t interfere with operational imperatives). Some modules would be most appropriately scheduled just prior to the relevant election cycle event (e.g. the Voter Registration module some time prior to the voter registration phase), others would be appropriate at all or any stages of the process.
Immediately after an electoral event there is the likelihood of the withdrawal of donor funds and international technical assistance and attention from some countries. This is often coupled with staff reduction and the loss of expertise. However, this allows for a focus on planning and working with core or permanent staff.
In roughly chronological order, this table provides guidelines on recommended minimum timeframe for running different BRIDGE modules. For example, Legal Framework should be run a minimum of 3-6 months before legislative reform, if not earlier.
| Module | Timing |
| Access to Electoral Processes | At all stages of the process |
| Gender and Elections | At all stages of the process |
| Civic Education | At all stages of the process |
| Electoral Assistance | 2-3 years before E-Day |
| Legal Framework | 3-6 months before legislative reform |
| Electoral Systems | 3-6 months before ES reform |
| Boundary Delimitation | 3-6 months before BD process |
| Electoral Management Design | 3-6 months before EMB reform |
| Electoral Dispute Resolution | 1 month before party registration |
| Electoral Technology | 1 month before needs assessment or launching a tender |
| Voter Registration | 6-12 months before registration |
| Pre-election Activities | 12 months before E-day |
| Electoral Security | 6-12 months before E-Day |
| Polling, Counting and Results | 6 months before E-Day |
| Electoral Training | 6 months before E-Day |
| Media and Elections | 1 month before registration or at least 3 months before E-Day |
| Electoral Contestants | 12-24 months before an E-Day |
| External Voting | 12 months before E-Day |
| Electoral Dispute Resolution | 1 month before party registration |
| Electoral Observation | 1 month before registration |
This electoral cycle approach is a theoretical model to support planning and encourage long term thinking rather than any kind of reflection of reality. In the 'real world' where BRIDGE programs are being implemented, changes to the existing political culture, power structures or legal framework will likely be the rule rather than the exception. For example, new appointments to the EMB can have an impact on relationships with government and stakeholders and on the culture of transparency and on their professional needs. The reduction of institutional memory of electoral processes may affect the speed of implementation of the electoral calendar. Legislative amendments can have a huge impact on the timeline and rules of the game. New census data and new boundary delimitation can create tensions between parties, and a push to register previously unregistered voters may tilt delicate power balances.
