The social and political context is important to consider when choosing an electoral system and vote counting process. For example, local political considerations will determine whether it is desirable to sacrifice some accuracy for speedy transmission of results, or whether security should be strict or relaxed. One of the most important criteria is to ensure that the citizens and candidates understand the process and have faith in it.
Security
In a country emerging from civil strife, it is important to ensure that every stage in the electoral process, including the crucial vote count, is secure, transparent, and reliable. If security or accuracy considerations permit, it may be desirable to hold the count as close to the citizens as possible, for example with a manual count at the polling station level in full view of voters, national and international electoral observers, and party representatives. If this is not possible, the count should be as transparent as circumstances allow.
Security provisions included in legislation and procedures should include security of the vote (and voter) and security of the process. If there is a possibility of repercussions to the voter for voting in a certain way, then the mixing of ballot boxes from different areas before counting should be seriously considered (see Vote Counting at Counting Centres). Security of the polling place may necessitate the guarding of polling stations by the military and the police. Security of the ballot boxes, especially for those counted at counting centres, may warrant the use of armed convoys. Sensitive election materials should never be left solely in the care of the police or military, however, but should be accompanied at all times by an election official and, perhaps, national and international electoral observers.
Legislation should be such that elections are not jeopardized, even if individual polling stations come under attack, or need to be closed for any reasons. Provisions should be made for the speedy rerunning of elections in those stations.
Literacy
Low literacy rates are important to factor into training and counting procedures. Where literacy is a problem, a simple electoral system will facilitate accuracy, but recount and rechecking procedures should be included in the process.
Communication of Results
In an increasingly fast-paced world, election management bodies are feeling the pressure to deliver rapid (if not immediate) transmission of results. Technical innovations in electronic voting, counting, and transmission are certainly facilitating speedy results.
Speed, however, should be carefully balanced against other important considerations such as:
voter convenience and inclusiveness, for example citizens away from home or unable to visit a polling station (tendered ballots, voting by mail, and other means that delay results),
the infrastructure of the country,
the importance of transparent (often manual; step-by-step) procedures,
the dangers of a premature (incorrect) result.
the complexity of certain electoral systems (such as the alternative vote, the single transferable vote), which in turn affect the speed of the count,
the confirmation that voting was conducted correctly across the country, that is, the absence of challenges to the voting process that could affect the results.
