The Quick Count and Election Observation

THE QUICK COUNT AND ELECTION OBSERVATION
mental organizations are often particularly interested in seeing the event.
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Of course, security issues must be contemplated before inviting anyone
to observe a simulation. 3
• Role-plays for the board of directors—As the final phase of the quick count
simulation, usually held two weeks prior to an election, leaders can participate
in role-plays during which they are confronted with various
election-day scenarios. Scenarios may include significant problems in the
quick count operation, problems in the voting and counting processes
and different projections of election results. The leadership treats these
situations as “real life” and attempts to develop public statements characterizing
quick count findings in each case. They may also practice
releasing quick count results by holding simulated press conferences.
• A final promotional campaign—Some groups save resources to mount a media
campaign close to elections. This is particularly effective in countries where
political ads are prohibited for a period immediately before elections.
Promotional advertisements often take on a character of promoting peaceful
participation as well as raising awareness about the quick count.
• A final round of meetings—Leaders should visit electoral authorities, candidates
or political party representatives, members of the local and
international press and representatives from influential diplomatic and
international observer missions. This is a final opportunity to build credibility
and collect relevant information before election day.
• Briefings and tours—Many groups demonstrate transparency by providing
key audiences a chance to see the quick count data collection center
and ask questions regarding the technical system or the plan for releasing
information. Allowing key stakeholders to see the data collection
system can markedly increase their trust in the eventual quick count
results. Of course, this type of activity may be impossible where there
are serious security concerns.
• Briefing materials—Groups should consider distributing information packets
on the organization and its quick count, which can be particularly
interesting to international observers and media who arrive in a country
close to elections.
• Election information center—Some groups establish a drop-in center where
groups or individuals can collect information on the quick count, the
electoral process and the country. When possible, resources such as
phones, computers, televisions and comfortable chairs are provided, particularly
on election day. 4
3
See Chapter Two, Getting Started, for a more detailed description of a quick count simulation.
4
In Nicaragua, Ethics and Transparency opened an information center geared toward the needs of
visiting and domestic press. The pamphlet used to inform the members of the press about the quick
count project appears in Appendix 11.