The Quick Count and Election Observation
The Quick Count and Election Observation
The Quick Count and Election Observation
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THE QUICK COUNT AND ELECTION OBSERVATION<br />
• Refer to the manuals: Well-designed manuals systematize training programs.<br />
Be sure all instructions <strong>and</strong> messages are uniform to avoid<br />
confusion about roles or jobs. Encourage volunteers to study them outside<br />
the training program.<br />
• Use experiential techniques: Since many quick count observers will only<br />
have one formal training session, set up training to take them through<br />
the experience of observing. Have volunteers simulate the voting <strong>and</strong><br />
counting process. Use role plays or dramas to illustrate problems that<br />
may occur. Perhaps most importantly, use debates, friendly quizzes or<br />
game show formats to test whether participants have really learned their<br />
10, 11<br />
jobs well.<br />
Set up training to take<br />
observers through the<br />
experience of observing.<br />
53<br />
• Always save time for small planning sessions: Dedicate time for trainers<br />
to meet one-on-one with committees or individual participants to set up<br />
realistic work plans <strong>and</strong> to resolve issues particular to a local area. Use<br />
sessions to take care of important details, such as how to reach a remote<br />
polling station or to resolve sensitive issues such as finances.<br />
• Talk about quick count “politics”: <strong>Quick</strong> count sponsors <strong>and</strong> organizers often<br />
face opposition from political parties <strong>and</strong>/or electoral authorities. Participants<br />
should be told that this is normal <strong>and</strong> to be expected. <strong>The</strong>y should be encouraged<br />
to discuss their concerns <strong>and</strong> brainstorm responses should accusations<br />
be leveled at the group in public or in the press. Remember to teach <strong>and</strong><br />
reinforce the organization’s message on these points, so that the local<br />
response is consistent with the national message.<br />
• Include a discussion on security measures: Depending on whether there<br />
is a history of violence <strong>and</strong> the likelihood elections will be hotly contested,<br />
security could become important. <strong>The</strong> sample is kept secret, <strong>and</strong><br />
observers often do not know which polling station they will cover until<br />
very close to the election. Observers may be assigned codes for identifying<br />
themselves when reporting. In some cases where safety is a concern,<br />
local committees have had to send observers in exp<strong>and</strong>ed teams <strong>and</strong><br />
provide vehicles. This kind of issue should also be addressed during the<br />
planning meeting suggested above.<br />
Many groups publicize training activities to demonstrate to electoral authorities,<br />
political parties <strong>and</strong> the public that they are well organized <strong>and</strong> growing.<br />
Well-designed training programs highlight a group’s commitment to professionalism,<br />
fairness <strong>and</strong> independence. In addition, disseminating training materials<br />
<strong>and</strong> observer checklists bolsters the deterrent function of a quick count.<br />
Many groups publicize<br />
training activities to<br />
demonstrate to electoral<br />
authorities, political<br />
parties <strong>and</strong> the<br />
public that they are<br />
well organized <strong>and</strong><br />
growing.<br />
10<br />
See NDI’s Pocket Guide to Training, (1998); J. Pretty <strong>and</strong> I. Guijt, A Trainer’s Guide for<br />
Participatory Learning <strong>and</strong> Action, (1999) pp. 1- 12, 1999; J. Eitington, <strong>The</strong> Winning Trainer,<br />
(1996) pp. 174- 179, 1996.<br />
11<br />
See Appendix 8 for an example of an experiential training exercise developed for quick counts.