The Quick Count and Election Observation

C H A P T E R E I G H T : T H E E N D G A M E
128 • General networking—Many groups exploit election-related public events
to collect information on the process and promote the quick count. Such
events may include: candidate debates; roundtables or dialogues on election-related
themes, often sponsored by non-governmental organizations;
and pre-election press conferences held by political parties, electoral
authorities or other election observation missions.
• Press statements and conferences—All groups communicate to the public
several times on election day. This is generally done through written statements,
press interviews or, most commonly, press conferences. (See Figure
8-1 for helpful hints on holding press conferences to release quick count
findings.)
DO...
Rehearse before election day. All leaders should
participate in role-plays of various election-day
scenarios.
Wait for the data to stabilize. The analysis team
should be confident that data are valid and reliable
before leaders finalize statements.
Consult with experienced technical advisors and other
trusted counselors while developing reports.
Carefully select spokespersons based on their
credibility and political neutrality (or balance).
Invite local and international media, affiliate
organizations, supporters, electoral authorities, political
party representatives and election observer missions.
Keep any written statement clear and concise. Include
only a brief summary of activities and specific findings.
Stress any positive developments in the electoral
process (i.e., high voter turnout, smooth administrative
procedures).
Frame projections of election results in the broader
context of the qualitative data and pre-election findings.
Congratulate and thank quick count volunteers and
staff for their hard work and dedication.
DO NOT...
Avoid planning for worst-case scenarios (e.g., a
political crisis, disagreements among quick count
organizers or inconclusive quick count results).
Release any information that is subject to change,
except in emergencies. Always very clearly attach
appropriate caveats.
Rush a report in response to external pressure, or out
of a desire to be the first group to publicize results.
Select controversial spokespersons, particularly if they
are known to be unfriendly to parties or those who may
be the subject of criticism (e.g., electoral authorities.)
Hold a press conference at the same time as electoral
authorities, candidates, political parties or other
election observer organizations.
Make statements that cannot be supported by hard
data.
Discourage citizens from voting. Negative
characterizations reported publicly at midday can
have this undesired effect.
Over-emphasize “the numbers.”
Give the impression that the work is over. Observers
must be called upon to follow and report on any postelection
developments.
FIGURE 8-1:
GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION-DAY
CONFERENCES