Given the complexity of the electoral process and the variety of activities it comprises, we should expect a series of varied issues. One of the first issues that come to mind is that of determining the optimal degree of involvement of public administration in the electoral process. In other words, how to segment the tasks required in order to manage elections and to apportion the public administration, the electoral commission and other state institutions for qualitative elections? The degree of associating the administration is obviously not the only important question that needs to be resolved. Another equally important issue is that of ensuring the effectiveness of the electoral commission. This assumes of course that issues relating to the independence or autonomy of the electoral commission should be tackled. It also requires the consideration of issues concerning the organization and operation as well as the credibility of the commission. One should also consider issues relating to the security of the electoral process and their implications for each category of actors involved in the management of elections, including public security forces. The question of the cost of elections, partly for the purpose of reducing the degree of involvement of public administration, also deserves special attention. The high cost of elections may be a definite threat to the quality of the electoral process and ultimately to democracy. Developing countries must therefore find a formula that streamlines the cost of elections while still guaranteeing a high quality. These concerns, as revealed both by observations of elections in the West African sub-region and by theoretical considerations, relate to the most important aspects of the organization and functioning of electoral commissions. 104