The Quick Count and Election Observation

THE QUICK COUNT AND ELECTION OBSERVATION
• Refer to the manuals: Well-designed manuals systematize training programs.
Be sure all instructions and messages are uniform to avoid
confusion about roles or jobs. Encourage volunteers to study them outside
the training program.
• Use experiential techniques: Since many quick count observers will only
have one formal training session, set up training to take them through
the experience of observing. Have volunteers simulate the voting and
counting process. Use role plays or dramas to illustrate problems that
may occur. Perhaps most importantly, use debates, friendly quizzes or
game show formats to test whether participants have really learned their
10, 11
jobs well.
Set up training to take
observers through the
experience of observing.
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• Always save time for small planning sessions: Dedicate time for trainers
to meet one-on-one with committees or individual participants to set up
realistic work plans and to resolve issues particular to a local area. Use
sessions to take care of important details, such as how to reach a remote
polling station or to resolve sensitive issues such as finances.
• Talk about quick count “politics”: Quick count sponsors and organizers often
face opposition from political parties and/or electoral authorities. Participants
should be told that this is normal and to be expected. They should be encouraged
to discuss their concerns and brainstorm responses should accusations
be leveled at the group in public or in the press. Remember to teach and
reinforce the organization’s message on these points, so that the local
response is consistent with the national message.
• Include a discussion on security measures: Depending on whether there
is a history of violence and the likelihood elections will be hotly contested,
security could become important. The sample is kept secret, and
observers often do not know which polling station they will cover until
very close to the election. Observers may be assigned codes for identifying
themselves when reporting. In some cases where safety is a concern,
local committees have had to send observers in expanded teams and
provide vehicles. This kind of issue should also be addressed during the
planning meeting suggested above.
Many groups publicize training activities to demonstrate to electoral authorities,
political parties and the public that they are well organized and growing.
Well-designed training programs highlight a group’s commitment to professionalism,
fairness and independence. In addition, disseminating training materials
and observer checklists bolsters the deterrent function of a quick count.
Many groups publicize
training activities to
demonstrate to electoral
authorities, political
parties and the
public that they are
well organized and
growing.
10
See NDI’s Pocket Guide to Training, (1998); J. Pretty and I. Guijt, A Trainer’s Guide for
Participatory Learning and Action, (1999) pp. 1- 12, 1999; J. Eitington, The Winning Trainer,
(1996) pp. 174- 179, 1996.
11
See Appendix 8 for an example of an experiential training exercise developed for quick counts.