This study examines the Romanian Electoral Management Body (EMB), focusing on its dualistic structure. It distinguishes between the formal independence and functional independence of electoral management institutions and proposes a qualitative evaluation of the Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) and the Central Electoral Bureau (BEC). The analysis is anchored in the context of the three EMB models, independent, governmental, and mixed, providing a framework for understanding the Romanian system. The findings indicate that the Romanian EMB exhibits formal independence but faces a political influence that cannot be neglected. The analysis employs the criteria proposed by Bishop and Hoeffler to evaluate the EMB’s independence and impartiality. The study finds that two out of five criteria are fully met, two are only formally respected, and one is not met. This highlights a significant discrepancy between the formal and functional independence of the EMB, distancing it from the ideal independent model. While Romania formally adopted an independent EMB model, practical realities reveal a closer alignment with a governmental model, influenced by political and financial dependencies. The research observations can be used both to advance studies in this field and to propose recommendations for improving the legal and institutional framework with the aim of strengthening democracy and public trust in electoral processes