The Quick Count and Election Observation

THE QUICK COUNT AND ELECTION OBSERVATION
media education events, a simulation day press conference and electionday
press conferences.
Qualifications:
• Must be a well-regarded, formally trained statistician and social scientist.
• Experience with database management systems.
• Knowledge of relevant demographic data and trends.
• Ability to work, in coordination with international experts, in extremely
high-stress environments.
• History of political neutrality.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
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PROJECT PLANNING
Project planning skills are essential for quick count success. The most complex,
time sensitive tasks are best planned in reverse order working backward
from key dates. This forces a focus on the importance of meeting deadlines.
It also encourages organizers to tailor activities to achieve objectives. This backward
planning approach is described below in three steps—developing a “to
do” list, creating a timeline and assigning responsibilities.
Step One: Creating a List of Important Events, Activities and Milestones
The first step to backward planning is to envision a successful election day. Then
list important dates, milestones and activities that should precede this day.
Step Two: Plotting Activities on a Timeline
The next step in backward planning is to plot all activities on a master timeline.
The master chart contains all major deadlines, events and activities leading
up to and including the immediate post-election period and provides a powerful
visual of the work ahead. Each functional team should develop its own
timeline chart which is coordinated precisely with the master timeline chart.
The charts should be the focal point for discussion at periodic all-staff meetings
so that everyone at headquarters is aware of important events and any
schedule changes. 5
The most complex,
time sensitive tasks are
best planned in reverse
order working backward
from key dates.
Step Three: Assigning Work
In addition to the master timeline, the executive director should work in conjunction
with staff to divide up the work required to conduct each activity. It
is crucial to delegate tasks wisely. Each activity requires tasks from more than
one, sometimes all, technical teams. Figure 2-3, which assigns tasks entailed
in recruiting volunteers, illustrates this point.
Considerations for Strategic Timeline Planning
These timelines are invaluable tools, allowing organizations to approach a very
complex project one activity at a time, while keeping end goals in mind.
Investing time up front to plan allows groups to work more efficiently than if
5
Appendix 2A contains a work plan/timeline developed for a quick count in Nicaragua; appendix
2B shows a work plan developed in Indonesia.