The final step in the electoral process is the official announcement of the election results by the electoral administrators. To safeguard integrity, the results must accurately reflect the total vote, taking into account decisions on disputed ballots. Attempting to tamper with the official results would be a last-ditch effort to subvert the outcome of an election.[1]

The integrity of the official results can be protected by applying the same safeguards used to protect the integrity of the vote. These include putting in place efficient systems with proper control mechanisms and oversight. Continuous monitoring throughout the count by observers and monitors can help deter tampering with results. Monitors and observers can compare their parallel vote count with the official results and immediately report any discrepancy through the official complaints system or the press.

Speedy announcement of the official results is also important. The more time that passes between counting and release of the results, the more opportunity to attempt to tamper with the results. A long delay in the release of results, even if they are accurate, may fuel suspicions that may damage the credibility of the results when they are finally released.

In South Africa the timely release of results is ensured by the Electoral Commission, which may declare the outcome of an election even if it has not received results from all polling stations, on two conditions:

• Waiting for the results from every polling station would unduly and unreasonably delay the determination and declaration of the election outcome; and
• The missing results would have no influence on the overall election outcome.

Taking Office

In the final step of a valid electoral process, the election winner takes office. In the older democracies, the transfer of power from one elected official to another is routine and not an issue. But for countries undergoing a transition, this final step may be difficult and may abort the democratic election process.

In post-conflict societies or countries with a history of undemocratic rule, it is important to address these issues in the planning process. If an election is transparent, free, fair and credible, a loser has fewer excuses for not accepting the results. Accurate parallel counts by political parties may validate the results, and national and international election observation may help win acceptance for an election and its results.