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Counting Procedures

The final stage of the election process on polling day is the counting of votes and the dissemination of results for the various candidates who contest the elections. COUNTING ON-THE-SPOT People to be allowed in the polling/counting centre include:

  • IEC Officials
  • Regional Authorities, such as Governors, National Assembly Members, Councilors, Mayors/Chairpersons, Seyfolu and Alkalolu (should not come with a big delegation)
  • Two polling/counting agents per Candidate
  • Accredited domestic and international observers
  • Partners and guests of the IEC
  • Accredited media practitioners(one per media house)
  • Security personnel (on duty at the polling/counting centre)
  • Candidates if they so wish

No other person should be allowed in the polling station/counting centre unless duly authorized by the IEC. Counting begins with:

  • Presiding officer reads out the Ballot Token Account and polling time.
  • Polling/Counting agents cross-check seals numbers with their notes before seals are broken by the Presiding officer.
  • The Presiding Officer breaks the seals, pours the tokens onto the sieve and filters them.
  • Presiding Officer arranges the tokens on the counting tray
  • Presiding Officer shows the filled counting tray to: Polling/counting agents and/or Domestic / International Observers present.
  • Showing of the counting tray should be done one after the other.
  • Presiding Officer records votes polled by each candidate on the Counting Form.
  • Presiding Officer returns counted tokens in their respective ballot drums
  • Presiding Officer reseals the ballot drums supported by binding wires
  • Polling/Counting agents may escort the Assistant Returning Officer and Presiding Officer to the collation centre at their own cost.
  • The Collation Centre will then collate polling station results
  • The Collation centre shall add up all the polling station results in the constituency before handing it over to the Regional Electoral Officer.
  • Proper care must always be maintained when results are being tabulated to ensure that all figures are correct.
  • Polling/counting agents shall sign the close of poll report.
  • A copy of the counting form shall be given to each candidate’s agent.
  • A copy shall also be pasted at the polling station/counting centre and a copy taken to the collation centre

Mission

To provide the Gambian people with an independent and efficient electoral process that is based on fairness, transparency and trust and supported by competent staff for the democratic conduct of all public elections and referenda. Furthermore the Commission is committed to maintaining a credible voters register and carrying out continuous voter education.

Vision

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will evolve into an efficient and effective institution that is adequately staffed and resourced, and responding to the national need for full participation in the electoral processes and, leadership that will PROMOTE harmony, democracy and progress.

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