2013 Zimbabwe Elections Vote Counting Procedures Vote Counting at the Polling Station No movement of ballot boxes before counting The regulations state that votes cast at each of the 9 456 polling stations must be counted on the spot at the polling station. Ballot boxes containing ballot papers are not moved to another place for counting. Accredited observers are entitled to be present during all stages described below; but the absence of observers does not invalidate the proceedings. There are strict rules requiring meticulous accounting for the ballot papers issued to each polling station. The official ZEC form that has to be used is form R1 – the Polling Station Return. Step 1 – Recording the number of ballot papers issued to a polling station. This takes place before polling begins, when the returning officer must fill in Section A of the form by entering the serial numbers of the ballot paper books received from ZEC. Step 2 – Checking the number of unused ballot papers. Immediately voting is completed the returning officer seals the ballot box with the used ballot papers still inside. Then, before opening the ballot box to count the votes, he or she fills in Section B of the form by entering details of the serial numbers of the ballot papers that were not issued to voters. Step 3 – Opening the ballot box and counting the votes. As soon as possible after voting ends, the ballot box is opened in front of any observers present, and the votes are counted. Step 4 – Recording the polling station results. Immediately after the count the returning officer must fill in Section C of form R1 by entering the total number of votes, the number of votes in favour of the question, the number of votes against the question, and the number of rejected ballot papers. He or she must then show the completed form to those present and allow accredited observers present to sign it. A copy of the polling station return must be faxed or emailed to the Chief Elections Officer at the National Command Centre. Step 5 – Posting copy of completed polling station return outside polling station. The returning officer must then affix a copy of the completed form R1 on the outside of the polling station so that it is visible to the public. He or she must also provide a copy of Section C of the form to any observer who wants one. Step 6 – Ensuring secrecy of the vote. All the ballot papers – used, unused, spoilt, rejected – and the Voters’ Register are then placed in the ballot box in separate sealed packets; the box is then sealed and kept in safe custody under ZEC’s control. It cannot be reopened for examination of its contents unless ZEC orders a recount or, if the count is challenged in the Electoral Court, by order of that court.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 08:35:47 +0000
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