International Electoral Accreditation Body (IEAB)

Data

Status

Active

Start

2014

Implementation

Social Networks

@OAS_IEAB

Accreditation: The IEAB is responsible for accrediting conformance assessment bodies (CABs) to perform certification audits of electoral management bodies. Accreditation is conducted through an assessment based on information submitted by a candidate CAB, in response to detailed questions from an in-depth questionnaire that makes the CAB's case for accreditation by describing its management system, quality policies and procedures, and technical capabilities. The candidate CAB will accompany its submission with evidence to support its responses, in the form of records and documents. Upon receiving a request for accreditation and the accompanying information submission from a candidate CAB, the IEAB will review the package to determine whether the CAB has the organization, processes, experience, and capability to qualify for accreditation. If so, it will accredit on the basis of this review, with the express condition that the CAB must use only IEAB-authorized practitioners during certification assessments.

Authorization: The IEAB is also responsible for authorizing auditors and lead auditors involved in certification assessments, as well as trainers in ISO/TS 54001:2019. In a process that mirrors the accreditation function, auditor and trainer candidates are required to submit information on their skills, experience and commitment to code of ethics to be reviewed by the IEAB. The IEAB is also responsible to ensuring that all auditors and lead auditors have completed the necessary training courses in the electoral standard and in IEAB auditing methodology.

Training: The IEAB is responsible for overseeing the training of auditors and conformance assessment body personnel in ISO/TS 54001: 2014, employing specific training modules designed by the IEAB.

Review: One of the fundamental roles of the IEAB is the final review of certification decisions made by IEAB-accredited conformance assessment bodies to verify compliance with required procedures. The IEAB retains the right to accept, deny or request further information on the certification decisions submitted by conformance assessment bodies.

Objectives

Promote the transparency and quality of elections by supporting the certification of electoral management bodies in accordance with international electoral standards.
Strengthen the efforts of electoral institutions to maintain the integrity of electoral regulations.

Activities

Grant accreditations to CABs for certification assessments of electoral bodies against ISO/TS 54001 and other electoral standards.
Maintain and enforce assessment processes, procedures, and support materials for accredited institutions conducting electoral-body certifications.
Make approval decisions based on the review of certification decisions and reports submitted by CABs.
Grant authorizations to professionals leading IEAB-sanctioned certification assessments and providing IEAB-licensed training courses.
Maintain a suite of formal training courses for auditors and CAB personnel in ISO electoral standards.
Deliver IEAB training courses to authorization candidates and other interested parties.

More Results

Results

More than 30 audits of electoral, follow-up, and certification bodies under the ISO 54001 standard monitored

80 people trained annually with courses in electoral standard ISO 54001 fundamentals, audit methodology and quality system design and implementation

4 ISO certifications received by one electoral management body following technical assistance from OAS

Beneficiary Countries