II ~I ~ ~II~ ~~ ~II ~ ~II - IFES

IFES Pre-electionAssessment: BurundiThe IFES team noted that ballot boxes are not identified. It may be wise to either identifythe ballot boxes with a number or a name. This name or number would also be used in thedocument recording the station's vote count, for positive identification of documents and andincreased security.Voting CompartmentThe IFES Team observed what may be considered a very first in the creation of voting booths.All the voting booths were built locally and had to meet specifications set out by theGovernment. These were solidly built using local materials, and certainly provided for theutmost privacy for the elector to cast his ballot. They are also reusable for each in a series ofelections. The IFES team was also informed that the construction of the booths was done withmuch enthusiasm and ownership by the local peasants.Voting Station PersonnelThe IFES Team recommends that the following personnel form each polling station team: onepresident responsible for the polling station, one secretary, and three assistants. In addition,the polling station should provide accommodation for two representatives of each candidate inthe election. These people assume the greatest responsibility to be impartial in their tasks andshould conform at all times to the rules and regulations set forth. For this reason, the IFESTeam recommends that a comprehensive manual be published showing step-by-step theresponsibilities of each of the voting station personnel. Furthermore, we recommend that all, . .voting station personnel be given prior training so as to familiarize them with the proceduresand their responsibilities.TransportationAlthough there are some excellent and well maintained paved roads, the majority of the road35