The Quick Count and Election Observation

THE QUICK COUNT AND ELECTION OBSERVATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This handbook was prepared by the National Democratic Institute for
International Affairs (NDI) to assist those working to ensure electoral accountability
around the world. Quick counts at times have played a decisive role by
deterring or exposing fraud; at other times they have helped to establish confidence
in the election process, leading to acceptance of results that otherwise
may have been rejected. At still other times, quick counts have buttressed confidence
that election day processes had become regularized and transparent.
In every case, quick counts have required extraordinary efforts. These include:
mobilizing hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteers; developing reliable and
rapid communication structures across a country; precisely analyzing large
volumes of data in high pressure circumstances; and exercising wise political
judgment about how to present quick count methodology and findings.
i-5
In reality, there is no such thing as a “B+” quick count—far too much rides on
the exercise to settle for less than excellence—excellence in the professionalism
of organization and analysis, and excellence in the impartial political
judgment needed for announcing quick count findings. NDI was privileged to
see such an effort in its first experience in international election observation
through the work of the Philippine-based National Citizens Movement for Free
Elections (NAMFREL). NAMFREL’s quick count in the 1986 “snap” election
exposed the fraud attempted by Ferdinand Marcos’ regime. Excellence was
again demonstrated when the Committee for Free Elections (CEL) developed
a quick count with NDI’s assistance for the 1988 Chilean plebiscite, which
rejected the extension of General Pinochet’s presidency. Over the years since
and through numerous elections, NDI has helped groups in more than 25
countries around the world to develop quick counts as part of their broader
election monitoring efforts. Many of those organizations have joined NDI in
conveying skills and knowledge to democratic activists in other countries.
Indeed, it is not an exaggeration to say that these organizations have helped
foster and develop a worldwide movement for domestic election monitoring.
NDI is honored by and greatly indebted to political and civic leaders who have
invited us to assist them in building their capacities to monitor elections, including
through conducting quick counts. Many have faced threats to their personal
safety for attempting to hold governments accountable to electoral laws and
standards. While recognizing those who have taken up the challenge of conducting
quick counts in their own countries, NDI also wishes to acknowledge
the many activists who have joined NDI in helping to develop quick counts in
other places. It is not possible to mention everyone who engaged in these
activities, however, the following individuals frequently joined NDI missions
to promote quick counts and broader election monitoring efforts: Marino
“Mars” Quesada, Damaso Magbul, Jose Concepion, Jr., and Telebert Laoc
(NAMFREL, the Philippines); Miroslav Sevlievski, Ivailo Partchev, Mariana
Drenska, Krassen Kralev and the late Michael Yanakiev (BAFE, Bulgaria); Alina