WAWEO DECLARATION Liberian women participated impressively in various capacities in the 2011 general elections. Their enhanced capacities were manifested in the active roles they played as candidates, polling staff, party agents, observers, security personnel and voters The number of women observers on the field was increased by the WAWEO. Their vigilant observation ensured that electoral procedures were complied with and did not disadvantage women directly or indirectly. COMPOSITE REPORT ON THE 2011, LIBERIA GENERAL ELECTIONS BY THE WEST AFRICA WOMEN ELECTIONS OBSERVATION TEAM (WAWEO) WEST AFRICA CIVIL SOCIETY INSTITUTE
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Composite Report On The 2011 Liberia General Elections by the West Africa Women Elections Observation Team (WAWEO)
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WAWEO DECLARATION
Liberian women participated impressively in various capacities in
the 2011 general elections.
Their enhanced capacities were manifested in the active roles they
played as candidates, polling staff, party agents, observers, security
personnel and voters
The number of women observers on the field was increased by the
WAWEO. Their vigilant observation ensured that electoral
procedures were complied with and did not disadvantage women
directly or indirectly.
COMPOSITE REPORT ON THE 2011,
LIBERIA GENERAL ELECTIONS BY THE
WEST AFRICA WOMEN ELECTIONS
OBSERVATION TEAM (WAWEO)
WEST AFRICA CIVIL SOCIETY INSTITUTE
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Letter of Transmittal West Africa Women’s Election Observation Team Liberia General Elections, 2011 Palm Spring Hotel Congo Town Monrovia-Liberia Dear Executive Director, I have the pleasure in transmitting our report to you. You will see that we have no hesitation in saying that in our view the electoral process was credible, the conditions existed for a free expression of the will by the electors and the results reflected the wishes people, and conditions existed for the women in Liberia to freely express their will through the polls. We thank you for inviting us to observe this general election. Now we hope that Liberia will go forward from this election success to strengthen all aspects of its democracy. Eunice Roberts Chairperson November 11, 2011
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgement
Map of Liberia
1. Introduction
2. Polling Process 2.1 Polling Landscape 2.2 Opening of the poll 2.3 Availability of Polling Materials 2.4 Polling Procedure 2.5 Performance of Polling Staff 2.6 Voters Conduct 2.7 Security 2.8 Accredited Party and Candidate Agents 2.9 Observers
3. Closing of the Poll
3.1 Reconciliation 3.2 Sorting and Counting 3.3 Declaration of Results 3.4 Signing of the Results
4. Women's Participation
4.1 Female Candidates 4.2 Participation
4. 2.0 Advocating for Peace 4. 2.1 Female Participation in the Electoral Process
ii. Wooded hills and semi-deciduous scrublands along the immediate interior
iii. Dense tropical forests and plateaus in the interior. Liberia has 40% of West Africa’s
rain forest.
e. People
Population (2009): 3.955million Annual Population Growth: (2008) 2.1% There are 16 ethnics groups that made up Liberia’s indigenous population. The Kpelle in Central and Western Liberia is the largest ethnic group. The ethnic breakdown is as follows: Kpelle 20% Bassa 14%
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Gio 8% Kru 6% 52% of the populations are spread over 12 other ethnic groups. There are also sizeable number of Lebanese, Indians and other West African Nationals who comprise part of Liberian’s business community. The Liberian constitution restricts citizenship to only people of Negro descent, and land ownership is restricted to citizens. Religions: Christians 85% Muslims 12% Other 1.5% No Religion 1.5% Languages: English is the official language. There are 16 indigenous languages. History on Election: The October 11, 2005 presidential and Legislative elections and subsequent November 8, 2005 presidential run-off were the most free, fair and peaceful elections in Liberia’s history. Ellen Johnson Sir-leaf defeated international soccer star George Weah 59. 4% to 40.6% to become Africa’s first democratically elected female president. She was inaugurated in January 2006. The president’s party, the Unity Party, does not control the legislature, in which 9 out of the 20 registered political parties are represented. Government and political Conditions Liberia has a bicameral legislature consisting of 64 representatives and 30 Senators. The 2005 elections placed a spectrum of political personalities, most for 6 -year terms. Senior senators were elected for 9-year terms. International efforts are aimed at sharing up the capacity of the judiciary. Liberia’s court system is divided into four (4) levels, including: justices of the peace, Courts of Records (Magistrate Courts)
Courts of First instances (Circuit and Specialty Courts) The Supreme Court
Traditional courts and lay courts exist in rural areas of the country. The formal judicial
System remains hampered by severe shortage of qualified judges and other judicial
officials. Locally, Political power emanates from traditional chiefs, mayors and district
commissioners. There are 15 countries in Liberia.
Counties Capital
Bomi Tubmanburg Bong Gbarnga Gbarpolu Bopolu Grand Bassa Buchanan Grand Cape Mount Robertsport Grand Gedeh Zwedru Grand Kru Barclayville Lofa Voinjama Margibi Kakata Maryland Harper Montserrado Bensonville Nimba Sanniquellie Rivercess Cestos City
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River Gee Fish Town Sinoe Greenville
1. Introduction
Women in Africa are increasingly making their presence felt in the political arena. Despite this
progress, the number of women actively and visibly engaged in politics remains low in most African
countries mainly due to prevailing societal belief that politics is a male domain. 2011 and 2012
present new opportunities for women in West Africa with eight countries scheduled to hold
parliamentary and presidential elections. In view of this, the delegates at the 2nd Annual West
African Women Policy Forum convened by the West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and
Women, Peace and Security Network (WIPSEN-Africa) under the theme: “Our Politics is NOW:
Moving Beyond the Rhetoric of Women’s Political Participation” called for the formation of a
West African Women Election Observation Team (WAWEO) consisting of two representatives from
each of the fifteen ECOWAS member states. This initiative aims at promoting West African women’s
active participation and representation in politics, enhancing women’s capacity to play active roles
in electoral processes in West Africa by increasing the number of women observers and ensuring
that electoral procedures including electoral laws and administration do not disadvantage women
directly or indirectly.
The WAWEO team was deployed during general elections to augment the work of the entire
observation team across the sub-region. The first phase of this initiative consisted of the training of
observers followed by deployment to observe elections. Due to insufficient funding, only 6 out of
the 30 observers nominated could take part in the training and deployment for the Liberia
elections. This report covers the pre-election, election and part of the post-election period.
The WAWEO team was preceded by an advance team of two, Madam Eunice Akweley Roberts,
chairperson of the WAWEO team and Afia Appiah, member of WAWEO. The mission of the advance
team was to observe the gender aspects of the organization and conduct of the elections in
accordance with the Laws of Liberia, relevant regional and international commitments. The
objective was to reach a conclusion as to whether the conditions existed for the women in Liberia to
freely express their will through the polls. In order to carry out their mission successfully, the
advance team had a series of meetings with key stakeholders, namely Civil Society Organizations,
the media and political parties among others. The interactions were fruitful and gave the team a
viable background of the Liberian situation prior to the elections. The information gathered
enabled the WAWEO observation mission to carry out its mandate successfully and productively as
well as make meaningful recommendations.
REPORT OF MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS BY ADVANCE TEAM
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Upon arrival on October 5, 2011, the advance team met with the media, read the arrival
statement and gave copies to them, introduced themselves and announced their
mission in Liberia.
In their interaction with the media, the team informed them that they wanted to be
familiar with arrangements made by all stakeholders to ensure women go out and vote.
They assured them that they will be impartial throughout the process because they are
there to observe the elections and ensure that women vote freely. After their
observation, a report will be sent out on the overall organization and conduct of the
elections.
The interview was conducted by the following journalists:
The final visit of the day was with the NEC which is responsible for the organization and
the conduct of the elections in Liberia. The team met with Mr. Langley, Executive
Director of the National Elections Commission of Liberia. He briefed them on their
preparations so far. This included:
recruitment and training of polling centers staff,
printing and dispatch of ballots papers
dispatch of other logistics (ballots boxes, stationaries, seals, etc.)
arrangement for security personnel at each polling center (police, immigration
and prison officers)
invitation to attend a briefing on the 8th October 2011
Meeting with Election Coordinating Committee
On October 7, 2011, the advance team met with Mr. Oscar Blow (SFCG/TDS) and Mr.
Joe Pemagbi (OSIWA) who briefed them on the formation of the Election Coordinating
Committee, set up to recruit and train domestic observers. They said that so far they
have recruited and trained 2000 domestic observers and have deployed them to
observe the upcoming elections alongside other Domestic and International observers.
During the period, the team observed the closing rallies of the CDC (Congress for
Democratic Change) and UP (Unity Party) in Monrovia. The streets were full of
enthusiastic party supporters in their paraphernalia, singing, dancing and chanting party
slogans. The atmosphere was that of excitement.
2. POLLING PROCESS
2.1 Polling Landscape
The NEC has demarcated for ease of voting by the 1,779,187 registered voters the following;
o 19 magisterial districts/areas o 1,780 polling precincts o 4,500 polling stations
The contested positions in the elections were
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o 1 presidential position o 15 senatorial positions o 73 house of representative seats
2.2 Opening of the poll
The polling centers were supposed to open from 0800hrs to 1800hrs. All the five (5) polling centers
where the opening process was observed opened on time at 0800hrs.
2.3 Availability of Polling Materials
At the time of opening of the polls all the relevant materials were available at the polling station
observed. The following materials were checked and accepted as intact by all observers and party
agents present:
o Ballot Boxes o Seals o Ballot Papers o Voter's Register
In all centers observed there were no shortages of polling materials reported.
2.4 Polling Procedure
Generally, the polling centers were accessible to voters registered. However in one location a
polling place was located on the 3rd floor of a building, challenging pregnant women, disabled and
aged voters.
Voters who needed assistance to vote (including the visually impaired and physically challenged)
were at all times brought to the front of the queue and allowed to vote without delay. Provision was
made for the aged, pregnant and women with babies to be given priority to vote.
Set-up of some of the polling places strongly influenced the ease of voting by the electorate. Small
rooms did not allow for free flow of human traffic and this caused congestion and delay.
Set-up of the polling places allowed for secret balloting. In instances where this was compromised
the polling booths were moved to ensure secrecy of the ballot.
The general procedure followed at the centers observed was:
o Presentation of voter's ID card by the voters o Verification of the voter's ID by the Voter Identification Officer o Validation and issuing of the ballot papers by the Ballot Paper Issuer o Voters proceeding to the voting booth to secretly mark by pen or thumbprint their
candidate of choice o Application of Electoral Stain by the Inker o Voters casting their ballots guided by the Ballot Box Control officer
In the few instances where there were spoiled ballots, they were shown to the party agents and
observers then marked and stored according to NEC procedure.
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The voting process was observed to be slow in some polling places, while in others it proceeded
swiftly.
All WAWEO observers reported that the atmosphere at the polling stations visited was peaceful
with the voter's in cheerful spirits. There was no campaigning going on at or near the polling
stations with no observed election posters displayed in or outside the centers.
2.5 Performance of Polling Staff
The polling staffs were predominantly youthful and this active engagement of the youth in this vital
democratic process has a positive impact on the violence-free electoral process. The staff wore
official NEC - Polling Staff aprons which clearly identified them from the electorate.
In their interaction with the electorate, party agents and observers, the polling staffs were
courteous and patient in explaining electoral procedure to all concerned.
They were particular in being impartial, efficient and transparent in their operations. Their
efficiency reflected the depth of capacity building that had taken place prior to the elections.
2.6 Voters Conduct
At all the 5 polling centers observed, voters had queued before the start of the polling exercise.
Some voters mentioned they had queued as early as 0600hrs.
Voters followed the polling procedure in an orderly manner, patiently waiting in queues to cast
their ballots, despite heavy rain and hot sun.
2.7 Security
Security at the polling station was provided by Liberian security agencies.
2.8 Accredited Party and Candidate Agents
Political parties and independent candidates were represented by their accredited agents at all the
polling stations observed. The following parties were represented at the centers visited.
o Unity Party (UP) o Liberian Transformation Party (LTP) o National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) o Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) o National Democratic Coalition (NDC) o Liberty Party (LP) o Liberia Destiny Party (LDP) o Progressive People's Party (PPP) o All Liberia Coalition Party (ALCOP) o Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) o Victory for Change Party (VCP)
All agents at the centers comported themselves well and cooperated with the polling staff in the
discharge of their duties. They were seated in locations of the polling place where they could clearly
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observe the voting procedures. They took notes of all proceedings diligently, painstakingly
recording the number of voters. They were cordial to each other.
2.9 Observers
There were domestic and international observers at the polling stations visited.
The domestic observers were from
o Election Coordination Committee (ECC), o Human Rights Monitors o Liberian Council of Churches o Community Watch Forum
The international observers were from
o Electoral Institute of South Africa (ELSA) o Carter Center o ECOWAS o African Union o United Nations o American Embassy o Japan Embassy o Wayne State University o MARWOPNET
The observers were professional and went about their activities unobtrusively.
3. CLOSING OF THE POLL
At all the polling places observed, polling closed at 1800hrs and there were no queues at the time of
closing. Generally, the closing procedure mandated by NEC was followed by the Polling Officer
generating a feeling of transparency within the polling station to the satisfaction of all present.
3.1 Reconciliation
The polling staff meticulously counted the unused ballot papers and the ballots cast to reconcile all
ballots issued for the presidential, senatorial and representative positions. The ballots cast were
then securely placed in the ballot boxes and sealed.
This was done in the presence and to the satisfaction of all party agents and observers.
3.2 Sorting and Counting
Each ballot was sorted according to parties/candidates and the invalid ballots were identified,
agreed upon and set aside in envelopes. Counting was conducted in sets of 50s and each candidate's
votes were consolidated. The counting process was meticulously done.
3.3 Declaration of Results
The PO declared the results and subsequently entered them onto to the results forms.
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3.4 Signing of the Results
Party agents were invited to sign the results forms to indicate their acceptance of the declared
results.
Copies of the results were given to the party agents for the three leading parties. Observers were
however not given copies of the results.
The results were pasted on the walls of the polling center for the attention of all interested.
4. WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION
It is significant to note that, Liberian women were confident in their participation in the entire
electoral process from their representation among the electoral officials, security personnel, party
agents and the overwhelming number of women voters.
4.1 Female Candidates
Even though the electoral laws do not discriminate against women, the participation of women in
this year's elections was very low.
Contested Position Total Candidates
Female
Presidential 16 2 Vice-presidential 16 1 Senatorial 99 10 House of Representatives NA NA
A conscious effort from all women's groups and gender sensitive individuals must ensure increased
women's participation in the political process. It is time for women's groups to examine the
strategies that have been used so far and see how they can be improved upon to increase women's
candidature in elections.
4.2 Female Participation in the Electoral Process
4.2.0 Advocating for Peace
The women of Liberia lay in the sun and rain praying and fasting for peaceful and violence-free
elections.
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Members of Women in Peace-building Network (WIPNET), a Liberian grassroots women's
organization that has been campaigning for peace in Liberia since the days of the civil war,
demonstrate in capital Monrovia demanding continued peace as the National Elections
Commission is set to declare preliminary final results of the national elections.
(http://unmil.org/)
4.2.1 Participation
Female participation in the 2011 Liberia elections was massive. This was manifested by the
impressive turn-up of women electorate to vote as well the high number of women who served as
party and candidate agents. Above 50% of election observers representing civil society and faith-
based organizations were female. This high female representation was reflected in the official
personnel from NEC and security personnel maintaining law and order.
5. CONCERNS o Size of spaces used for polling places
In some polling places, the size of the space used hindered the polling processes.
o No provision was made for the visually impaired for the voting process o Citing of polling places
In some polling places, the voters had to climb stairs to the 3rd floor to cast their votes. This
was prohibitive for some aged and infirm voters.
o Lack of understanding of the voting process at the polling places by some of the women voters which slowed down the voting process.
o The counting process was slow and complicated, particularly by the need of the polling staff to reassure party agents of the transparency of the process.
o Insufficient lighting at the polling places slowed down the sorting and counting process. o Starting the election at 0800 and closing the poll at 1800hrs created problems with the
closing processes at the polling centers.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS o The size of the polling place should be given high priority as a criterion for selecting the
venue for polling. This will ensure that free flow of voters in a polling place. o Tactile ballots should be provided for the visually impaired and adequate education
provided to ensure maximum use of the facility when provided.
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o Citing of polling places should be selected to ensure easy access for the electorate. o Continuous voter education targeting women should be intensified and conducted in a
timely manner o NEC should investigate alternative means of sorting and counting to hasten the process
while maintaining transparency. o Increase provision of adequate lighting for the polling places. o The polling process should be started at 0700hrs and completed at 1700hrs to maximize
use of daylight for the poll closing processes.
6 CONCLUSION Finally, we would like to pay tribute to the people of Liberia for their responsible and orderly
participation in the 2011 general elections. The NEC demonstrated maturity and gender sensitivity
in conducting the entire electoral process.
To the women of Liberia who did not only fast and pray, lying in the sun and rain, but who also
came out in their numbers to vote, we are proud of you. We commend the political leaders and their
parties, for taking part in the electoral process responsibly. They deserve to be congratulated on
their demonstrated belief in, and their commitment to democratic values and ethics, particularly to
free, fair and transparent elections.
This was an election well planned and executed with maximum participation by the people of
Liberia. It was violence free, no intimidation or harassment with the electorate free to cast their
vote. The electorate's freedom from fear was manifested by the high presence of women
everywhere.
The voting process proceeded smoothly with electoral rules and regulations adhered to by the
political parties and candidates.
The nascent democracy and youthfulness of the participants engaged in the electoral process
imbued it with buoyancy and excitement
The Liberia 2011 general election process experienced its challenges and triumphs in successfully
allowing the electorate to exercise their franchise. Therefore, our heartfelt congratulations go to the
women and all people of Liberia, the NEC and all actors in the electoral process and urge them to
continue striving for the ultimate in democratic standards.
Thank you. God bless you.
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[PAD1]
LIBERIA PRESIDENTIAL RUN-OFF ELECTIONS
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2011
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TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Introduction
2. Polling Process
2.1 Polling Landscape 2.2 Availability of Polling Materials 2.3 Polling Procedure 2.4 Performance of Polling Staff 2.5 Voters Conduct 2.6 Security 2.7 Accredited Party and Candidate Agents 2.8 Observers
3. Closing of the Poll 3.0 Reconciliation 3.1Sorting and Counting
Normally on Election Day you will be required to observe;
The opening of the poll at one polling station Proceedings at several polling stations The closing of the poll at one polling station
The sample election checklist consists of three kinds of election observation forms labeled A, B and C. The forms have been formulated against the backdrop formulated against the backdrop of good electoral practices generally, but there is nothing sacrosanct about them: they could be easily adapted to suit local peculiarities. The forms have been designed in such a way that you will use only one of A and C, but several of B in doing your observation. How you are to proceed is authorized below:
Arrive at the polling station where you are going to observe the opening of the poll about one hour before the stipulated opening time. Watch the opening closely. Then observe the first voters voting and complete Observation Form A.
After that proceed to visit the other polling stations you have selected for each one, complete one Observation Form B. In the case of polling stations where you notice problems, it is advisable to return to them later on the day to see whether the situation has cleared. You may also want to select one such polling station for your observation of the closing of the poll and vote count.
Arrive at the polling station where you are going to observe the closing of the poll and vote count about 30 minutes prior to the stipulated closing time. Use Part 1 and Part 2 of Observation Form C to record your observations there when all the transactions at this polling station have been fully completed, proceed to the collation centre, the place where
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the votes for the various candidates from all the polling stations will be added up, and use Part 3 of Form C to record your observations.
Do your best to complete the forms thoroughly, even though you may find the information you are recording to be repetitive in most cases. The repetitiveness in itself tells a significant story about the election. If you notice any important occurrences that are not catered for by the forms, or if you want to make comments on any particular matter, please record them on the back of the forms. Finally, perhaps you could do with some friendly advice.
Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the observation forms before Election Day, so that you know what to look out for;
Upon entering a polling station first greet the presiding officer and identify yourself to him/her and show your accreditation
Be polite and cordial at all times, even when you feel you are not well received Never interfere in the work of an election officials. Remember that your duty is to observe
the election process not to conduct the election If you notice any mistake problem or fraud, politely bring it to the attention of a responsible
officer. Make a detailed note of any explanation given or action taken. But do not give the officer any instructions.
Please do not try to be a heroine: leave any place as soon as you sense danger.
ELECTION OBSERVATION FORM - A
OPENING OF THE POLL N.B. Arrive at the polling station (PS) at least 30 minutes before the time voting is supposed to begin. Name of Observer ___________________________________________________________ PS Name ______________________________PS Code (if any) ___________________ Time of Arrival _______________________ Time of Departure_____________________ What was the number of voters on the main voters’ register/roll/list? _____________ Was there any supplementary list to be used for voting? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, what is the list called? ___________________________________________________ How many voters were on it? ______________________________________________________ Were security personnel present at the PS? Yes______ No______ If yes, how many? ______________________________________________________________________ Were there party/candidates’ agents at the PS? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, which parties? ______________________________________________________________________________ Did the Presiding Officer (PO) show the empty ballot boxes to the agents before voting started? Yes ____ No ____ If no, what did s/he do? ______________________________________________________________________________
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Did the PO show the ballot papers to the agents before using them for voting? Yes ____ No ____ If no, what did s/he do? ______________________________________________________________________________ Did the PO officially record the total number of ballots issued to the station before starting to use them? Yes ____ No ____ Were party agents and observers allowed to record the number? Yes ____ No ____ About how many voters were in the queue just before voting started? __________ How many of them were female? ____________________________________________ At what time was the first ballot paper placed in the ballot box? ______________________________________________________________________________ Was the PS set up in such a way as to enable the voter to cast a secret ballot? Yes _____ No _____ If no, please explain: ______________________________________________________________________ Was the PS set-up such that agents/observers could clearly see the voting process? Yes ____ No Did voters have to show identification? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, what kind? _____________________________________________________________________________ Was anyone allowed to vote without the identification? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, what explanation was given? _____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Was any person allowed to vote whose name was not on the register? Yes _____No _____ if yes, what explanation was given? ______________________________________________________________________________ Were some people not allowed to vote? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, how many _______ and for what reason(s) ______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ How many were females? __________________ Was each ballot paper validated before it was given to a voter? Yes ____ No ____ if no, describe what happened: ______________________________________________________________________ Were voters marked with electoral stain (indelible ink) when they voted? Yes _____ No _____ Were any voters assisted to vote? Yes _____ No _____ If yes, how many? _________ Describe the manner of assistance: ______________________________________________________________________________
Did voters confer with each other in the station about whom to vote for? Yes_______ No_______ Did a voter return a spoiled ballot? Yes ___ No ___ If yes, was s/he given a new ballot? Yes ____ No ___ Did the processing of voters proceed smoothly? Yes ____ No ____ If no, please explain: _____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________ Was the atmosphere at the PS peaceful and orderly? Yes ____No ____ If no, please describe the scene: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Did you see any form of campaigning going on near the PS? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, how close to the PS? ________ Describe the nature of campaigning ______________________________________________________________________________ Did you see any election posters displayed in or outside the PS? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, what kind? ______________________________________________________________________________ Were there other observers at the PS? Domestic _______________ International ______________________________________________________________________________ At the time you were leaving the PS, how many people had voted? ___________ How many of them were women? ___________________________________________
ELECTION OBSERVATION FORM – B POLLING
N.B. Use a fresh FORM B for each polling station you visit, except the one where you observe the opening of the poll (use form A) and when you observe the closing of the poll, vote count and tabulation (use form C) Name of Observer ______________________________________________________________________________ PS Name _______________________________ _____________________PS Code (if any) ______________________________________________________________________________ Time of Arrival _______________________ Time of Departure_______________________ What was the number of voters on the main voters register? ___________________ Was there any supplementary list to be used for voting? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, what is the list called? ________________________________________________________ How many voters were on it? _________________________________________________ Were security personnel present at the PS? Yes______ No______ If yes, how many?_______________________________________________________________________ Were there party/candidates’ agents at the PS? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, which parties? ______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________ How many were women? ___________ Was the PS set up in such a way as to enable the voter to cast a secret ballot? Yes _____ No _____ if no, please explain: ______________________________________________________________________________
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Was the PS set-up such that agents/observers could clearly see the voting process? Yes ___ No ___ if no, please explain: ______________________________________________________________________________ Did voters have to show identification? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, what kind? ______________________________________________________________________________ Was anyone allowed to vote without the identification? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, what explanation was given? ____________________________________________________________________________ Was any person allowed to vote whose name was not on the register? Yes _____No _____ if yes, what explanation was given? ______________________________________________________________________________ Were some people not allowed to vote? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, how many _______ and for what reason(s) ______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________ How many were women? _______________ Was each ballot paper validated before it was given to a voter? Yes ____ No ____ If no, describe what happened: __________________________________________________________________________ Were voters marked with electoral stain (indelible ink) when they voted? Yes _____ No _____ Were any voters assisted to vote? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, how many? ______ Describe the manner of assistance: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Did voters confer with each other in the station about whom to vote for? Yes_______ No_______ Did a voter return a spoiled ballot? Yes ___ No ___ If yes, was s/he given a new ballot? Yes ____ No ___ Did the processing of voters proceed smoothly? Yes ____ No ____ If no, please explain: ___________________________________________________________________ Was the atmosphere at the PS peaceful and orderly? Yes ____No ____ if no, please describe the scene: ______________________________________________________________________ Was any form of campaigning going on near the PS? Yes ____ No ____ if yes, how close to the PS? _________________ Describe the nature of campaigning _____________________________________________________________________________ Did you see any election posters displayed in or outside the PS? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, what kind? _____________________________________________________________________________ Were there other observers at the PS? Domestic ___________International ________________ What kind of ballot box was used for the election? Transparent _______ Opaque________ At the time you were leaving the PS, how many people had voted? ________
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ELECTION OBSERVATION FORM – C
CLOSE OF POLL, VOTE COUNT, AND VOTE COLLATION
N.B. Be at the PS you have selected to observe the count at least 30 minutes before voting ends Stay there until the votes have been counted and the results compiled Then proceed to the centre where the overall votes will be collated Name of Observer ________________________________________________________ PS Name ____________________________________ PS Code (if any) __________ Time of Arrival at the PS _______________________ Time of Departure ___________________
PART 1: CLOSE OF POLL Were there any voters in line waiting to vote at the stipulated closing time? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, how many? _________ Were they allowed to vote? Yes _______ No ______ If no, explain what happened. ______________________________________________________________________________ What time did voting actually end? __________________________________________ PART 2: THE VOTE COUNT What was the total number of voters on the main voters list plus any supplementary list(s)? ___________ Were the ballots counted at the polling station? Yes _____ No _____: if no, where were they counted? ____________________ How were they conveyed there? ____________________________________ Was the ballot box opened and the ballot papers removed in the presence of party agents and observers? Yes ______ No ______ If no, describe what happened: _____________________________________ Were the votes counted openly in the presence of party agents and observers? Yes _____ No ______ If no, please explain: ______________________________________________________________________ Did anyone other than the polling staff help the PO to count the votes? Yes _____ No _____ If yes, who helped? ______________________________________________________________________ Was the counting done accurately? Yes ______ No ______ If no, please explain:
Were any ballots counted that did not have the validation mark? Yes ___ No ___ If yes, how many? _____ What explanation was given? ____________________________________________________________
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Was each rejected ballot shown to the agents and the reason for the rejection given? Yes ____ No ____ if no, describe what happened: _____________________________________________________________________________ Were observers allowed to be close enough to see the marks on the ballots and how they were being sorted out? Yes _____ No _____ If no, please explain: ________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Was there disagreement over any rejected ballots? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, how many ballots? ______ How was the disagreement resolved? ______________________________________________________________________ Did any candidate or agent ask for a recount of the ballots? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, was the request granted? Yes ____ No ____ If not granted, state the reason given: ________________________________
Was the number of votes obtained by each candidate correctly recorded? Yes ______ No ______ If no, please explain: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Were the following items openly recorded? Total number of valid ballots Yes_____ How many? _____________ No ______ Total number of used ballots Yes _____ How many? _____________ No _____ Total number of unused ballots Yes _____ How many? _____________ No _____ Total number of rejected ballots Yes _____ How many? _____________ No _____ Number of spoilt ballots Yes _____ How many? _____________ No _____ After the counting, were the ballots put into sealed containers/envelopes? Yes _____ No_____ If no, describe what happened: ______________________________________________________________________________ Were the party agents given an opportunity to endorse the results? Yes _____ No If yes, how? If no, describe what happened:__________________________________________________________________
Were party agents given certified copies of the results? Yes _____ No _____ If no, were they allowed to write down the results? Yes _____ No _____ Did the PO fill all the necessary forms at the polling station? Yes ____ No ____ If no, who filled them and where? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Either obtain a copy of the PS results or record the results in the space below ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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How were the results relayed from the PS or the counting place to the collation centre? ______________________________________________________________________________ At what time did you leave the PS? ___________________________________________
PART 3: VOTE COLLATION Time of arrival at the collation centre _____________ Time of departure _______________ Where was the collation done? ______________________________________________________________________________ At what time did the collation actually begin? ______________________________________________________________________________ Who actually did the collation? ______________________________________________________________________________ Was the collation process well organized and orderly? Yes _______ No ______ If no, please explain:
Was the collation done openly and in a transparent manner? Yes ____ No ____ If no, please explain: ______________________________________________________________________________ Were candidates or party agents present to witness the collation? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, indicate the candidates/parties: ______________________________________________________________________________ Were observers allowed to be close enough to see how the collation was being done? Yes ____ No ____ If no, please explain: ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Were other observers present? Domestic ___________International ______________________________________________________________________________ Was any electronic device/s used to tally the votes? Yes ____ No ____If yes, what device/s? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Did any candidate/agent complain of discrepancies in the results being collated? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, describe how the complaint was treated/resolved: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If candidates or agents were present, were they made to endorse the results? Yes ______ No _____ If candidates or agents were present, were they given certified copies of the results? Yes _____ No______ If no, were they allowed to write down the results? Yes______ No ______ Were the results announced at the centre immediately after the collation? Yes _____ No ______ If no, please describe what happened: _____________________________________________________________________________ Either obtain a copy of the collated results or record the results in the space below ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ At what time did proceedings at the centre come to an end? _________________