Third General Meeting A ssociation of C aribbean E lectoral O rganizations (ACEO)

1. Third General Meeting Association of Caribbean Electoral Organizations (ACEO) Kingston, Jamaica November 7 & 8, 2008

2. ACEO: Next StepsMeetings • Commitment to regular meetings • Annual meetings for the next three years to create momentum • Proposal • Meeting in 2009 in Barbados • Each territory should aim to send two representatives • One from the electoral policy body • One from the electoral administration body • If you can’t send two representatives, send one • If you can’t come every year, come whenever you can

3. 2. ACEO: Next StepsMembership • Each of the 22 countries and territories who originally signed up would be invited to renew their commitment to the ACEO • Not more than two members per Electoral Management Body would normally attend meetings, except for the EMB of the host country • The Executive Board could meet more often e.g. quarterly • Possibility of meeting virtually via video-conference • No funding expected from members except attendance at meetings

4. 3. ACEO: Next StepsImproving communications • Important to set up a website • Use for networking on shared issues • Links to database with electoral laws and instruments for different territories • Online bulletins on particular themes of common interest • Every territory needs to designate a contact person to ensure follow-up and continuity • Please supply contact information including an e-mail address and telephone number • Possibility of setting up partnerships for twinning members to share best practice on particular issues

5. 4. ACEO objectives • Function should come before structure • We need to establish regular exchange between members • Start small and build it up with time • Different members have different environments and priorities. The association should be flexible enough to accomodate diverse objectives • What would you like the ACEO to do for you?