Same-Day Counting: Still in the Dark About Election Procedures

Political parties are currently facing significant uncertainty regarding the upcoming general elections, particularly concerning the issue of same-day counting of votes. As of now, the Electoral Commission has not made any official announcements on this matter, suggesting that the status quo may prevail.

Earlier this year, Irfan Rahman’s office conducted a series of consultations with parliamentary and non-parliamentary political parties, as well as union representatives, in May.

Reports indicated that representatives from the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) and its allies are scheduled to meet with the Commission later this week.

However, until there is an official confirmation, it seems likely that same-day counting will not be implemented for the upcoming legislative elections.

The Electoral Commission is grappling with several challenges that have emerged from broader discussions with political and union representatives.

While the proposal for opening ballot boxes and counting votes on the same day was initially well-received by most parties—largely aimed at preventing suspicions of fraud and irregularities—there are now indications that the Commission may not proceed with this idea.

Initially supportive of same-day counting, some parties and alliances, including the Labour Party/MMM/New Democratic Alliance, have expressed reservations, particularly regarding the logistics of transporting ballot boxes.

Furthermore, its former ally, the Parti Mauricien Samajois (PMSD), has voiced opposition to counting the ballots at the same voting center, arguing that it may complicate monitoring for candidates overseeing multiple locations.

Concerns are also shared by the group Rezistans ek Alternativ, opposing the notion of using the same personnel for both the voting process and the subsequent counting.

Additionally, civil servant unions have raised security concerns regarding the transportation of electoral officers.

According to our sources, following discussions with MSM members and their partners this week, the Electoral Commissioner is expected to submit a report about the feasibility of same-day counting.

The outcome of this report will likely influence the final arrangements for the electoral process, but for now, ambiguity remains the dominant theme in the preparations for the elections.

Source: Defi Media