The Quick Count and Election Observation

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THE QUICK COUNT AND ELECTION OBSERVATION When Rapid Post-election Action is Needed While it is hoped that election-day procedures all run well, this is too often not the case. The period immediately following an election often becomes more tense than the lead up to election day, and election monitors must be prepared for protracted activities, irrespective of the demands of successfully concluding an election day quick count. Figure 8-2 describes the human and financial resources that must be placed in reserve. 129 SITUATION A natural disaster or administrative breakdown occurs. It requires the extension of voting hours or even the unexpected extension of voting over more than one day. ACTION REQUIRED Observers must cover and report on these developments. The tabulation of results falters or breaks down. Observers must be able to follow and report on developments at district, regional and national electoral bodies, sometimes over extended periods. The number of voting results placed into question as a consequence of irregularities or possible fraud is near to, or exceeds, the margin of difference between political contestants. (Or, the scale of irregularities or possible fraud renders it impossible to determine the necessity of a run-off or re-voting.) The organization must be able to follow and report on developments, including carefully monitoring the processing of complaints, observing recounts and/or re-voting in specific districts, and potentially prepare for new elections. Attention is focused on a presidential election or national proportional representation vote, but there are problems with other elections (such as elections for single-member legislative districts and local elections). Observers must be mobilized to concentrate attention on problem issues over a period of days. Problems surrounding the election create a political crisis. The leadership of the monitoring organization must be prepared to be called upon to help develop mechanisms to mediate or otherwise resolve the controversy. FIGURE 8-2: CIVIC GROUPS CONDUCTING QUICK COUNTS MAY BE ASKED TO RESPOND TO DIFFICULT SITUATIONS DURING AND IMMEDIATELY FOL- LOWING ELECTIONS.
C H A P T E R E I G H T : T H E E N D G A M E 130 Post-Election Reporting The work of compiling, analyzing and reporting information does not end with an election-night or next-day press conference. Many groups take on observation work beyond the quick count. They monitor the resolution of complaints, the announcement of final results, the taking of office by rightful winners and the reactions of key individuals and institutions (e.g., winning and losing candidates, the government, military and the media). 5 Often, they release a series of press statements on these processes. During the post-election period, many groups must turn to the work of compiling and analyzing information obtained from non-quick count observers and regional or municipal coordinators. This may be presented in interim reports if the immediate post-election situation is controversial and in a final report—a comprehensive evaluation of the election process with specific recommendations for its improvement. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE Groups undertake a host of post-election activities, in addition to writing and distributing final election observation reports. Leaders and staff document lessons learned, thank volunteers and, if they are planning for future activities, consolidate ties between leaders and volunteers. The post-election period also is a time when the board of directors and key staff summarize their unique insights into the election process. They may consider activities to promote electoral reform or other projects to promote or strengthen democracy. Unfortunately, quick count funding typically ends soon after an election; therefore, post-election activities often must be conducted even as staff are tired and major staff reductions are looming. The effort is, nevertheless, crucial to the success of future activities. It is important to involve each functional team (e.g., media, technical, administration, volunteer coordination and other areas, such as legal analysis) 6 so that valuable information is not lost. The following outlines activities typically undertaken by each functional team and the organization’s leadership. The Media Team • Lists best practices for developing relationships with the media, electoral authorities, candidates, donors, diplomatic community and international organizations. Develops a contact list for future networking. • Compiles, evaluates and stores all materials used to promote the quick count. • Collects evidence of the quick count’s impact on the electoral process and how it affected public attitudes toward electoral authorities, political contestants, civic groups and government (e.g., through documenting news coverage, collecting public opinion survey information and conducting periodic interviews with key individuals). 5 See NDI’s Handbook, How Domestic Organizations Monitor Elections: An A to Z Guide, for more specific information on monitoring post-election developments. 6 See Chapter Two, Getting Started, for detailed information on functional teams, their composition and responsibilities.
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