Counting of Ballots
Procedures for counting of ballots and dissemination of results are dealt with in detail in Vote Counting at Polling Stations, Vote Counting at Counting Centres, and subsequent articles in the Vote Counting section. Full independent observation of ballot counts through to the final determination of results and conduct of any challenges or recounts, is a critical component of an effective independent observation process. Briefly, count observation activity will need to monitor:
Integrity of accounting for ballots. Specific attention needs to be paid that ballot reconciliations are properly maintained throughout the count:
- between ballots supplied and those on hand (used and unused) at the commencement of the count;
- between total valid and invalid ballots and ballots withdrawn from ballot boxes or recorded on machines/computers;
- between candidate/party votes and total valid ballots. Actions implemented when such figures do not reconcile need to be noted.
Integrity of handling of ballots. Actions that require monitoring in this regard include:
- methods of withdrawing ballots from ballot boxes or accessing machine/computer voting data;
- attempts to handle ballots by unauthorised persons during the count;
- procedures for sorting and distinguishing ballots cast for different candidates/parties;
- correct and equitable application of the procedures for establishing validity of ballots, admissibility of their markings, and determination of the voter's preference where this is doubtful;
- storing of ballot material during the count;
- packaging and sealing of ballot materials at the conclusion of the count.
Treatment of challenges to inclusion or exclusion of ballots during the count.
Performance of staff. Issues to monitor in this regard would include: the knowledge displayed by staff engaged in the count and their speed of processing and the overall time taken for the count, including any reasons for explicable or apparently inexplicable delays.
Electoral observers' freedom and opportunity to monitor and formally witness these activities.
It is important during the count that electoral observers maintain or obtain copies of reconciliations and other crucial documents such as count or result slips. It is also preferable that electoral observers accompany any transit of ballots, from the voting station to the counting centre (if in separate facilities) and following the count to storage or facilities for rechecking.
Determination and Announcement of Results
Observation of voting and counting processes is of little use if the counts of ballots from voting stations are not further monitored to determine that they are correctly translated into results. Important activities to monitor include:
The count aggregation process. Issues of relevance to monitor include:
- security and integrity of methods for transmitting count data;
- rechecks of initial counts;
- accuracy of count aggregations;
- impartial management control of aggregation and result determination;
- the knowledge displayed by staff engaged in any count rechecks, and their speed of processing;
- the overall time taken for the aggregation of counts, determining and announcing results, and any reasons for delays.
Accuracy of determination of successful candidates in accordance with the rules of the election system.
Methods and timing of public display and announcement of results, including the distribution of official result documents.
Treatment of challenges to election results and conduct of any resulting recounts.
Electoral observers' freedom and opportunity to monitor and formally witness these activities.
As with counts, it is important that copies of count aggregation and result determination documents are maintained or obtained by electoral observers and subject to intensive scrutiny.
