The Quick Count and Election Observation
The Quick Count and Election Observation
The Quick Count and Election Observation
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C H A P T E R E I G H T : T H E E N D G A M E<br />
Statements should<br />
NOT overemphasize<br />
data on election<br />
results or solely focus<br />
on election-day events.<br />
126 Two crucial points should be made regarding election-day statements by civic<br />
organizations conducting quick counts. First, statements should NOT overemphasize<br />
data on election results. Responsible, well-crafted statements place<br />
information on numeric election results firmly within an analysis of the quality<br />
of the voting <strong>and</strong> counting processes. Second, statements should NOT solely<br />
focus on election-day events. Effective statements evaluate election-day events<br />
within the context of pre-election factors <strong>and</strong> the need to monitor post-election<br />
developments.<br />
How can groups respond to external pressure to release quick<br />
count results?<br />
Groups often experience extreme pressure to provide various constituencies<br />
access to their information <strong>and</strong>, in general, to release it quickly. Requests can<br />
come from internal <strong>and</strong> external sources (e.g., from board members, funders<br />
or the press).<br />
<strong>The</strong> first step in responding to this pressure is to discuss the factors limiting the<br />
ability to predict when results will be available. <strong>The</strong> simulation held prior to<br />
elections will help to establish a general time frame, but leaders should be<br />
aware that no simulation can accurately predict election-day delays. Interference<br />
on telephone lines or viruses in the computer system may prolong data processing.<br />
Moreover, close or poorly administered elections will force organizers<br />
to allow more time for complex data analysis.<br />
It is important for observer groups to stress their commitment to working within the<br />
law <strong>and</strong> explicitly state their commitment to independence <strong>and</strong> the truth rather than<br />
speed or politics. <strong>The</strong> point to be made is that the observation plan has been<br />
devised with great care <strong>and</strong> with the dual purpose of benefiting the country’s political<br />
process <strong>and</strong> safeguarding the organization’s long-term credibility.<br />
SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES<br />
Once groups establish consensus on how they will manage <strong>and</strong> share electionday<br />
data, they can prepare for the practical work required during elections.<br />
Certain pre-election <strong>and</strong> election-day activities can help groups play an effective<br />
<strong>and</strong> constructive role. <strong>The</strong>y include:<br />
• <strong>The</strong> election-day simulation—A successful simulation is the first concrete<br />
predictor of election-day success. <strong>The</strong> group can hold a press conference<br />
following the exercise to share the success, emphasizing the number of<br />
volunteers participating, the percentage of calls received of those expected<br />
<strong>and</strong> the capacity of the communication/data collection system to<br />
receive <strong>and</strong> quickly process the information. Alternatively, organizers can<br />
invite small groups to witness all, or parts, of the simulation. Funders,<br />
media representatives, electoral officials <strong>and</strong> any affiliated nongovern-