The Quick Count and Election Observation

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THE QUICK COUNT AND ELECTION OBSERVATION in technical and organizational matters. They may also share training materials, such as observer checklists, and ask for feedback when appropriate. By providing information to key groups in the pre-election period, quick count organizers demonstrate confidence in the methodology. The messages are powerful: “We have nothing to hide.” “We know what we are doing.” “We are happy to discuss any of the details about methodology with you and your experts.” Of course, organizers cannot discuss the precise sample size or the location of the sample points to prevent outside interference in the quick count. By providing information to key groups in the pre-election period, quick count organizers demonstrate confidence in the methodology. 35 Answering the Skeptics The context and circumstances surrounding each quick count is different. It is impossible to anticipate and prepare for all of the questions that will be asked of quick count organizers. But some concerns are repeatedly raised in almost every country. Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions and suggested responses to alleviate concerns: Is a quick count legal? • Point out provisions in the election law for nonpartisan organizations or citizens to observe elections. If no provisions exist, share copies from other countries and note constitutional provisions and international obligations that recognize the right of citizens to participate in governmental and public affairs and the right to democratic elections—from which election observation derives. • Relate accounts of successful quick counts that have taken place in the region or other parts of the world. • Mention that several international human rights instruments recognize the universal right of people to participate in their government by monitoring elections. (See Appendix 4) ANSWERING THE SKEPTICS Is your group credible; i.e. can you do this? • Provide information on the quick count leaders and sponsors as well as the qualifications of your staff. • Explain basic quick count goals and methodology. • Make training materials and quick count checklists public to highlight their professional quality, legal accuracy and objective design. Is your group neutral? How can anyone be sure that you do not have a partisan political agenda? • Demonstrate that leadership and staff are not currently partisan activists. • In cases where some group members have a reputation for partisanship, take care to show that the membership, taken as a whole, is politically balanced. • Explain your commitment to recruiting volunteers not currently involved in partisan politics or actively supporting any candidate.
C H A P T E R T H R E E : P R O M O T I N G T H E Q U I C K C O U N T 36 How do we know your volunteers, even those you have not yet recruited, will be neutral? • Share a copy of a “neutrality pledge” signed by all quick count participants. • Share the training manuals and highlight the fact that volunteers are uniformly trained regarding the role and responsibility of an observer. • Share the quick count checklists. Explain that you are collecting objective data that is not subject to interpretation. • Invite concerned individuals to observe training programs and the simulation. ANSWERING THE SKEPTICS If we have invited international observers, why do we need local observers? • Point out that, in many places, it is a matter of national pride for domestic election observers to exist alongside international election monitors. • Discuss how election observation and quick counts are a tool to build public participation in elections. • Discuss the practical advantages of domestic organizations observing – they are present for the entire pre-election, election-day and post-election periods and they have better scope and coverage to implement a quick count. • Argue that local citizens have the right to participate in their government and organize to hold officials accountable. • Ask the international community to state the view that it would be a positive development if electoral authorities welcome and support a domestic organization planning a quick count. How can we prevent unnecessary confusion in polling stations or counting centers with too many observers? • Point out provisions in the current law for local officials to maintain order inside the polling stations and counting centers. • Ask for feedback and make revisions to your volunteer training materials to reflect their concerns. • As a last resort, offer to discuss the drafting of additional legal guidelines, such as a code of conduct for quick count observers.
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FIGURE 6-1: SAMPLE OBSERVER FORMS 8
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CHAPTER SEVEN: COLLECTING AND ANALY
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C H A P T E R E I G H T : T H E E N
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A P P E N D I C E S 134 ORGANIZATIO
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A P P E N D I C E S 136 Ghana • N
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A P P E N D I C E S 138 ment in Afr
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A P P E N D I C E S 140 Montenegro
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A P P E N D I C E S 142 NDI is part
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A P P E N D I C E S 144 WORK PLAN F
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A P P E N D I C E S 146 APPENDIX 3A
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A P P E N D I C E S 148 EXAMPLE OF
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A P P E N D I C E S 150 APPENDIX 3C
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A P P E N D I C E S 152 APPENDIX 3D
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A P P E N D I C E S 154 APPENDIX 4
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A P P E N D I C E S 162 DIAGRAM OF
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A P P E N D I C E S 164 SAMPLE OBSE
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A P P E N D I C E S 166 EXAMPLE OF
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A P P E N D I C E S 168 the polling
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A P P E N D I C E S 170 How to Cond
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A P P E N D I C E S 172 SAMPLE OBSE
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A P P E N D I C E S 174 APPENDIX 9B
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A P P E N D I C E S 176 MALAWI DATA
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A P P E N D I C E S 178 PROMOTIONAL
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