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
132 Successful quick counts demonstrate the vital role that civic organizations (and
political parties) can play in promoting electoral accountability. In most countries
where quick counts have been successful, groups emerge with high public
profiles, reputations for integrity and competence, strong national volunteer
networks, substantial knowledge of the political process and enhanced organizational
capacity. Some organizations disband after elections, others go
dormant between elections. Many, however, continue to play a central role in
their country’s political process, taking on activities such as advocating for
electoral reform, promoting accountability in government and educating citizens
about democracy. In this sense, the long-term impact of a quick count
goes far beyond election-day reporting and includes the sustained involvement
of citizens and organizations in a country’s democratic development.
The “end game” is the final phase of the quick count project; it
includes actions taken before, on and immediately following election-day
to support an open and genuinely democratic election.
To maximize their impact, groups conducting quick counts should:
1. Hold a strategy meeting to consider the electoral context, review
quick count goals, draft an election-day schedule and develop protocols
for data use.
2. Develop and follow a protocol that estimates when information will
be available and how, when and to whom it will be released.
3. Prepare to make statements or hold press conferences twice on election
day: at midday to comment on the opening of the polling stations;
and in the evening or the next day, once data is in on the vote count.
4. Design briefings, tours, meetings and press conferences to support
plans for using quick count results; position the organization to constructively
influence election-day events and promote electoral
accountability.
5. Be prepared for rapid post-election activities to address urgent situations
that develop as a consequence of major problems in the election
process.
6. Wrap up the quick count project by implementing several activities:
document lessons learned and best practices; debrief and thank volunteers;
summarize knowledge of the electoral process and recommend
needed reforms; and hold a retreat to re-evaluate strategic plans for
the organization’s future.