‘results processing picks up pace’
“It has been widely accepted and reported, by national and international observers, that polling was successfully undertaken throughout the country. This can be largely credited to the desire of the Sierra Leonean people to participate in free and fair elections. During polling day on 11 August, the people of Sierra Leone displayed their commitment to peace by voting with calm, patience and dignity. It is essential that this atmosphere of calm be retained during the crucial tallying and announcement of results phase of the electoral process.
NEC has provided comprehensive information to both the public and political parties in relation to the counting and tallying process. While the tallying of results is being executed as efficiently as possible, due to the physical constraints in Sierra Leone the process will take time. During the initial phase it was observed that information was slow to present itself. This was due to the naturally slow process of the movement of materials. The pace is now picking up with more and more information being made available on a daily basis.
As each polling station result sheet is received it is carefully entered into the results database. A series of checks are carried out to ensure the results are entered exactly as counted and recorded at the polling centre. Before the results of a station are added to the overall result, the actual data that has been entered is checked one more final time. The NEC Tally Center therefore records the results, meticulously reflecting poll as it has been recorded.
Where there are any cases of reports of irregularities or complaints from the field or where the tamper evident bag does not appear to be completely beyond suspicion (for example, without a signature, or without all the necessary forms in place), these results sheets are not entered into the database. They are quarantined and NEC investigates as appropriate. If necessary the police are notified and requested to carry out their own investigations. NEC will inform the political parties and observers of the outcomes of these investigations and their decision on how to proceed. To this end, NEC is checking each polling station results nationwide, to ensure that any irregularities are identified and addressed prior to a formal announcement.
NEC would like to clarify that there is of necessity a balance to be found between speed and accuracy. One cannot be sacrificed for the other. The Commission would like the results as soon as possible but it also wants accurate and credible results. It is for this reason that the checks and balances mentioned above are in place at the NEC Tally Centre.
NEC notes with concern the high rate of informal tallying and reportage in the media and reiterates that the NEC Tally Centre is the only source of official results. While NEC understands that the announcement of results will be a source of speculation and enthusiasm, it emphasizes that great care should be taken in broadcasting informal information which may at a later date prove to be flawed.
The NEC Media Centre presents summary reports and detailed analysis to the public and political parties on a daily basis. NEC will continue to produce these reports as results are tallied. NEC requests that the media exhibit patience in the process. Additionally, it calls upon the media to facilitate the dissemination of the NEC official results as presented at these daily briefings.
While polling day was by all estimations a success, some incidents occurred which were reported to NEC and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). NEC is following up on all reports and ensures appropriate action will be taken in all cases. To date, no incident has arisen which would in any way invalidate the electoral process. There will continue to be issues, and NEC urges all stakeholders to report such matters calmly and responsibly to the appropriate authorities.
Finally, NEC reminds all voters to retain their Voter Registration Cards for the 2008 Local Council Elections next May. These cards, even though they have been punched or clipped in this poll, remain valid for future polling
