HOW THE VOTES ARE COUNTED

Timeline for the Count
The count process for a preferential voting system takes considerably longer than in previous elections under the first past the post system. There are a number of very good reasons for this.

First, because of the greater complexity of a preferential vote count, the count is separated into distinct stages. These stages are, the verification of ballot papers, the sorting of ballot papers according to party and candidate, the first preference count and the distribution of preferences. The Elections Office has introduced rigorous checks and balances at each stage of the count to ensure complete accuracy.

Secondly, the ballot papers are required to be counted and checked for validity at least five times in the verification, sorting, and first preference counting stages. Furthermore, if a distribution of preferences is conducted, ballot papers may be handled eight or nine times as they proceed through the count, taking into account the preferences of each voter.

Finally, counting must take place in an open and transparent manner, in the presence of count agents. These agents will need to be satisfied with the counting of each ballot paper (they now have to observe the numbers on the ballot paper as well as the ticks) and this will also take time.

Due to these factors, four days are usually set aside for the completion of the count. The following timeline will provide some indication of the count activities that will occur during this period:

Day One
The verification process of accounting for all ballot papers will occur. This will continue throughout the day until the total number of ballot papers issued in the polling stations have been fully accounted for.

Day Two
It is anticipated that the verification process will have been completed. The sorting process will then commence. It is anticipated that the first preference count will have begun. The results of the first preference count will be faxed to the results centre, as they are completed. It is expected that some first preference results will be known. The first preference results of some of the more complex counts may not be known until Tuesday evening.

Day Three
The count will continue. If no candidate has been elected with an absolute majority (50% + 1) on the first preference count, then a distribution of voter preferences will take place. At the end of each distribution, when the voters’ preferences are distributed, the progressive result will be faxed to the results centre. By Wednesday, a number of elected candidates will have been declared.

Day Four
The distribution of preferences will continue. In constituencies with a large number of candidates, there could be eight or ten distributions of preferences to complete. This is a time consuming process that demands complete accuracy to ensure that the voters’ preferences are counted.

Many of the elected candidates will have been declared. A number of constituencies will still be continuing the distribution of preferences. The count will conclude in the evening.

Note:
The timing of the release of results will vary in each constituency. Some of the factors that affect the timing of the count include the number of ballot boxes to be opened and verified, the number of candidates and parties standing for election's and the closeness of the contest in the constituency. At all times the priority of the Elections Office will be to conduct the count accurately, in an open and transparent manner.