Is the country ready to adopt a new strategy for counting ballots on election day? The question is sparking lively debate in the current electoral context.
Although there appears to be a general desire within the various political parties to count ballots on election day itself, some details relating to the methods used, as well as the ability of officials to ensure the smooth running of the vote the exercise of votes and counting, however, raise questions. For example, the Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD), although in favor of counting ballots on election day, is opposed to it taking place in schools. The party fears, in fact, that the publication of results by district will undermine national unity and intercommunity relations. He therefore proposes transferring the ballot boxes to a central voting center, mixing the ballots and using indelible ink to prevent multiple votes.
Virtually the same story is expressed by the left-wing Rezistans ek Alternativ party. Although generally favorable to this practice, it nevertheless raises concerns regarding certain aspects, notably the question of the human resources required. According to Ashok Subron, one of the main challenges lies in mobilizing sufficient staff to manage both electoral operations and vote counting. Indeed, as Ashok Subron pointed out, the Electoral Commissioner has already indicated that the same staff would be used for both operations.
Another area of concern concerns the traditional parade which is held after the elections. Usually organized during the day for security reasons, organizing it in the evening could create risks of overflows. With these arguments in mind, Ashok Subron recommends postponing the implementation of this new system until the next election. He believes that the next general elections are of vital importance and that it is essential to guarantee the smooth running of this crucial democratic process.
Many political observers believe that it would have been better if the electoral commission had made its own proposals regarding the implementation of ballot counting on election day. The Labor Party (PTr), which will meet the Electoral Commissioner this Thursday, also expresses concerns, particularly regarding the tight deadlines for verifying the results. The short time available for this verification could limit the detection of possible irregularities or fraud. In addition, the party fears the risk of disruption and pressure, because counting during the day could be more vulnerable to these factors, thus affecting the freedom and confidentiality of the vote.
Trade unionist and former MP Jack Bizlall, in favor of counting ballots on the day of the elections, prefers to focus on concrete solutions to implement this practice from the next elections. He suggests mobilizing civil servants and teachers for this task.
Concretely, he suggests creating two teams: one involved in the conduct of the ballot and the other in counting the votes. This measure, according to him, would strengthen the transparency of the electoral process. Indeed, he believes that it is the surveillance of ballots that poses a problem and fuels the suspicions of the political class.
In the same spirit, he proposes to set up a monitoring committee composed of strong forces of Mauritian civil society, such as the ACIM and other respected non-governmental organizations.
Other promising avenues for improving the entire electoral process, according to other observers, also relate to the mobilization of volunteer citizens. Targeted awareness and recruitment campaigns would bring together a wide range of engaged citizens willing to contribute to the transparency of the electoral process. These volunteers could be trained and deployed to assist at the different stages of the ballot, from voting to counting the ballots.
Counting ballots on Election Day itself is not a silver bullet, but it represents an important step toward a more transparent and inclusive electoral process. By implementing concrete solutions and adapting to the specificities of each national context, it is possible to meet the challenges and achieve this objective.
The PTr/MMM/ND alliance at the electoral commissioner's office this Thursday
The alliance Labor Party (PTr), Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) and New Democrats will go this Thursday to the office of the Electoral Commissioner to discuss the modalities of counting the ballots on the day of the elections. On the PTr side, we believe that it is necessary to obtain several guarantees before giving its agreement.
