Based on a nationally representative number of PECs, OPORA's observers assessed the process of their closing and vote count process in Ukrainian local elections.
According to observers, PEC members violated the vote count procedure at 10.23% of polling stations, while 89.77% of polling stations were free from such violations. In 2015 local elections, to compare, procedural violations were detected at smaller number of polls - 2.2%; in 2019 early parliamentary elections - at 3% of polling stations. Such indicator of vote count procedure violation can be explained by the application of new electoral systems in local elections.
OPORA has also assessed the presence of a quorum at final meetings of PECs, which functioning had been loaded with the pandemic and problems with formation of complete membership of such commissions, which are quite usual for Ukrainian elections. According to observers, the final meetings of PEC, dedicated to the vote counting, did not have a quorum at 2% of polling stations. The final PEC meetings at other polling stations did have quorum. Observers have also checked if PECs started the final meeting right after the polls had been closed, as the law demands, what ensures proper oversight of the vote count process. Thus, this requirement was not followed at 2.81% of polling stations, while 97.19% of PECs started the final meeting on time.
OPORA's observation includes such important function as documenting any obstruction of the legal vote count process by candidates, authorized persons of party cells, proxies of candidates, observers or the presence of unauthorized individuals at the final meeting. According to the organization's data, illegal interference of candidates, authorized persons of organizations, observers in the vote count process occurred at only 0.83% of polling stations. In particular, such interferences could involve deliberate provocations resulting in violation of vote count procedures by PEC members, or unjustified conflicts. OPORA's observers have noticed unauthorized persons, i.e. individuals banned from attending a vote count at an election precinct, at 1.94% of polling stations.
PEC members at only 0.66% of polling stations exercised their right to add a dissenting opinion to a vote count protocol. This right is granted to PEC members to disagree with the results of the vote count.
OPORA's observers received vote count protocols at 91.91% of polling stations. 8.09% of polling stations did not give them such protocols for various reasons.
Thus, the closing of polls and vote count were quite peaceful and in line with basic law requirements. However, there is a reason to think that application of the new legislation caused the increase in vote count procedure violations by PECs.
Reference: OPORA has deployed observers to 625 polling stations, located evenly throughout the country. Before the observation, OPORA held 2 rounds of trainings and special Election Day simulations, involving possible situations and incidents. The observers are deployed based on random stratified sampling. The maximum margin of error for this report is below 2.41%. OPORA's statistically based observation is an independent activity, realized exclusively by OPORA, aimed to provide Independent information on the course of election.