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Robust systems: Role of the Police; The count & results; Post Polling Day Logistics & Procedures

Robust systems: Role of the Police; The count & results; Post Polling Day Logistics & Procedures. John Turner Chief Executive, AEA. Robust Systems. Skills/knowledge of staff Planning processes Training Integrity of election Communications Involvement of all stakeholders.

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Robust systems: Role of the Police; The count & results; Post Polling Day Logistics & Procedures

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  1. Robust systems: Role of the Police; The count & results; Post Polling Day Logistics & Procedures John Turner Chief Executive, AEA

  2. Robust Systems • Skills/knowledge of staff • Planning processes • Training • Integrity of election • Communications • Involvement of all stakeholders

  3. Role of the Police/CPS • Role of ACPO – integrity of the overall process • Force SPOCs • Investigating agency for: • Fraud including absent voting • Electoral offences • Polling day • Security • Role of Crown Prosecution service AEA 3

  4. The Count overview • When? • Venue: • Layout • Security • Media • Observers • Mini counts • Staffing/training • What could possibly go wrong? • Customer service

  5. The Count stages • Verification - the proper way! • Sorting & counting • Adjudication of doubtful ballot papers • does not bear official mark • writing or mark by which voter can be identified • unmarked or void for uncertainty • voting for more candidates than entitled • Otherwise – clear intention, try to give a valid vote • Provisional Result • Recounts • Declaration

  6. Compilation of results • Types of elections • UK Parliamentary • European Parliamentary • National Parliaments/Assemblies • Local Elections • Referendums • New elections • Police Commissioners

  7. Adjudication of disputed counts At the count The British system Election petitions The process to be followed The hearing of the dispute Possible outcomes and sanctions Effect of criminal actions AEA 7

  8. Avoiding a petition (1) Proper planning Use project/risk management techniques Get the basics right Leave nothing to chance Check, check and check again AEA 8

  9. Avoiding a petition (2) • Take care with outsourcing • Ensure proper communications • Watch the fault lines: • Nominations • Postal votes • Polling day • The Count AEA 9

  10. The Way Forward • A first level complaints system • Characteristics of the system • Time limited • Penalties for vexatious/frivolous complaints • Proportionate and appropriate outcomes • Appeals process • Mechanism for referral to the Courts • Suitable powers for the Court • Establishment of lower level court AEA 10

  11. AEA Formal Recommendation “The UK Government should design and implement a clearer and local system of accountability and challenge through the introduction in election law of a formal complaints system. This should establish a court of first resort to deal with complaints arising from the conduct of elections.” AEA 11

  12. Other sources of information • OSCE • Resolving Election Disputes in the OSCE Area: Towards a Standard ElectionDispute Monitoring System • ACE Network • http://www.aceproject.org/main/english/ei • IFES - Election Disputes • http://www.ifes.org/Content/Topics/Election-Disputes.aspx AEA 12

  13. Questions?

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