Message to Polling Officials...Polling Centers Every Polling Center comprises separate Polling...
30
Transcript of Message to Polling Officials...Polling Centers Every Polling Center comprises separate Polling...
Message to Polling Officials ...................................................................................................
About the Elections ..................................................................................................................
Section I. Polling Officials and Polling Steps ....................................................................... Polling Center Supervisor Polling Station Chairperson Polling Steps
• Step 1. Queue Controller• Step 2. Identification and Inking Officer• Step 3. Ballot Paper Issuer• Step 4. Voter Marks Ballot Papers• Step 5. Ballot Box Controller
Section II. Before Polling ........................................................................................................ Polling Station LayoutDelivery of Election Materials to the Polling Center
Section III. Polling ....................................................................................................................Before Polling BeginsOpening the PollSealing the Ballot BoxPolling JournalSuspension of Polling
Section IV. Individuals Authorized to be in the Polling Center and Polling Station.......Who Has the Right to be in Polling Station on Election DayObserversPolitical Parties and Independent Candidates AgentsMedia Representatives
Section V. Ensuring Security at the Polling Station ...........................................................
Section VI. Polling Day Complaints ......................................................................................
Section VII. After Polling ........................................................................................................ Sealing the Ballot Box Slots and Completion of Chairperson's Worksheet
Section VIII. Packing of Election Materials ......................................................................... Completing the Polling Center Supervisor General Return FormPacking by the Polling Center SupervisorPacking for TransportationDelivery of Materials to the Counting CenterCheck-in of Materials at the Counting Center
Annex ....................................................................................................................................... Electoral Offences Electoral Officials OathCode of Conduct for Electoral Officials Polling Station Chairperson WorksheetPolling Station Complain FormRecord of Serial Numbers of Voters Registration Cards on Polling DayTEB LabelsPolling Center Supervisor General Return
1
Table of Contents
02
03
04
09
10
13
15
15
16
17
19
You have been selected as a Polling Official to conduct polling for the 2004 Presidential election inAfghanistan. As a Polling Official you have been charged with a very important responsibility and taskto conduct polling and service to voters. The result of election will depend heavily on your impartialbehavior.
You have to perform your functions in a neutral manner and must not, under any circumstances in theperformance of your duties, seek or receive instructions from any government, candidate, political party,non-governmental organization or other persons or organizations.
In order to encourage all Polling Officials to adhere to the highest standards in carrying out their duties,you will sign the Electoral Officials' Oath (see annex 2 below) where you will pledge not to act to ben-efit any candidate or organization and abide by the Code of Conduct for Election Officials (see annex 3below).
It is very important for Polling Officials to receive training in all aspects of Polling Center and PollingStation operations and not just the duties of their own position. Before polling day, Polling Officials mustparticipate in the training sessions, which will be conducted for two (2) days. Training sessions forPolling Officials will be conducted by the Polling Center Supervisor.
You are expected to read this manual carefully in order to know the step-by-step procedures to conducteffective polling and achieve the best desired outcome.
GOOD LUCK!
Farooq WardakDirector JEMB Secretariat
2
Message to Polling Officials
Type of Election Presidential Election
Who Administers the Election The Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB)
Legal Framework The Electoral Law adopted by Presidential Decree
No. 28 of 27 May 2004
Election Day 9 October 2004
Polling Time 07:00 - 16:00 hours
Who can vote A person who is a citizen of Afghanistan turned 18 by the election day
and possesses Voter Registration Card.
Where to vote Any registered voter can vote in any Polling Station regardless of his/her
place of registration or residence.
Polling Centers Every Polling Center comprises separate Polling Stations for
male and female voters. A Polling Center consists of at least two
(2) Polling Stations.
3
About the Elections
Polling is conducted by Polling Station Officials who are supervised by a Polling Center Supervisor.
Polling Officials
• Polling Station Chairperson. • Queue Controller.• Identification and Inking Officer.• Ballot Paper Issuer.• Ballot Box Controller.
Polling Center Supervisor
• Trains Polling Station staff.• Oversees the arrangements in and around Polling Center and Polling Stations.• Ensures distribution of election materials to the stations.• Provides Polling Station Chairperson with advice about polling procedures.• Provides Polling Stations with extra ballot papers and ballot box where necessary.• Advises the Polling Station Chairperson in deciding polling complaints.• Records important events in the Polling Center Journal.• Deals with the Media, Observers and Candidate Agents.• Completes General Return Form.• Delivers election materials to the Counting Center.• Assists in the counting process at the Counting Center (only Supervisors of Provincial capitals may
be involved in the counting process).
Polling Station Polling Chairperson
• Receives election materials from Polling Center Supervisor.• Sets up Polling Station so that polling can start at 07:00 hrs sharp.• Supervises polling officials to ensure that polling procedures are followed accurately.• Deals with Political Party and Independent Candidates Agents, Observers and the Media.• Responsible for supplying election materials to the polling officials.• Seals ballot box at the start and at the end of the polling and also where the use of additional ballot
box because necessary.• Records important events in the Polling Station Journal.
4
Section I: Polling Officials and Polling Steps
• Provides assistance to voters if necessary.(Note: If a physically disabled (has no hands) or blind voter needs assistance for marking of the ballot, s/he may ask for assistance from a family member, a friend, or the Polling StationChairperson. Whoever is assisting the voter will mark the ballot in the voting screen in the voter'spresence and indicate the voter's will. That person must not communicate the voter's choice to anyone ever).
• Responsible for maintaining order inside the Polling Station .• Completes Polling Station Chairperson's Worksheet.• Closes the Polling Station at the appropriate hour and packs all election materials for handing over
to Polling Center Supervisor.
Step 1. Queue Controller
• Takes position at the entrance of the Polling Station and keeps voters in an orderly line outside thePolling Station.
• If any disabled, old person or pregnant woman joins the queue, politely asks the other voters to let thempass to the front of the line.
• Reminds disabled voters in line that they can be accompanied by any person of their choice if they needassistance to mark their ballots. It should be made clear that nobody can assist more than one voter.
• Checks if the voter has traces of ink on the left thumb before entering the Polling Station.(Note: Voter is admitted into the polling station only after Queue Controller makes sure that there is noink on the voter's left thumb. If the voter has been inked s/he cannot vote again).
• Requests Voter Registration Card from voter. If a voter does not have Voter Registration Card s/he willnot be allowed to enter the Polling Station. Checks if the Voter Registration Card is not punched. If cardis punched the voter will not be allowed to enter the polling Station.
• Ensures controlled flow of voters entering the Polling Station.
5
Polling Steps
Step 2. Identification and Inking Officer
• Checks the serial number of the Registration Card and compares voter's picture with voter. (Note: If the serial number of the card starts with the letter "T…" the card is not valid for voting).
• Checks the left thumb of the voter and cleans it with tissue paper if it is greasy.• Marks the voter's left thumbnail cuticle with indelible ink using the applicator.
(Note: If the left thumb is not available, marks cuticle of any finger).• Records the serial number of the Voter Registration Card in the Record of Serial Numbers of Voters
Registration Cards on Polling Day.(Note: Identification and Inking Officer must sign the Record Form at the end of each page. The Polling Station Chairperson must also sign the Record Form).
• Punches Voter Registration Card at the place where it is written "Voter Registration Card."• Directs voter to the Ballot Issuer.
Voter Refuses to be InkedIf a voter refuses to be inked, the Identification and Inking Officer must explain to the voter that no voteris allowed to vote without being inked. If voter still refuses to be inked s/he will not be allowed to voteand voter registration card will not be punched.
Step 3. Ballot Paper Issuer
• Makes sure that voter's Registration Card is punched and the left thumb is inked.(Note: If Card is not punched Ballot Issuer sends voter to the Identification and Inking Officer inorder to punch the Card).
• Provides impartial advice to voter about marking of ballot papers. • Show the voter how to fold the ballot paper by folding it vertically and then in half.• Stamps folded ballot paper with Polling Station Validating Stamp on the back of the ballot paper• Instructs voter to go into the Voting Screen.
6
Replacement of Spoilt BallotsIf a voter or polling official spoils ballot paper(s), Ballot Issuer replaces the spoiled ballot paper(s) witha new one. Ballot Issuer:• Writes "spoiled" on the front of the ballot (s).• Puts the spoiled ballot (s) in the envelope provided.
(Note: If voter after receiving the Ballot Paper decides not to mark ballot the received Ballot paperwill be given back to Ballot Issuer. This Ballot Paper is considered as spoilt).
Step 4. Voter Marks Ballot
• Voter enters voting screen.• Marks ballot paper with permanent marker only once in the box near the photo of the candidate of
his/her choice.• Folds the ballot paper vertically and then in half, so that it is impossible to see which candidate was
marked.• Leaves the Screen and drops ballot in the Ballot Box.
Step 5. Ballot Box Controller
• Controls the ballot box and does not admit more than one voter to the ballot box area.• Makes sure that voter has only one ballot paper in hand and the ballot is stamped with the Polling
Station Validating Stamp.(Note: If ballot paper is not stamped Ballot Box Controller must send voter to the Ballot Issuer tostamp ballot).
• Directs voters to deposit ballot in the ballot box.• Instructs voters to leave the polling station after they drop the ballot into the box.
7
8
Voting Steps
Polling Station Layout
The Polling Station must be arranged for a circular flow of voters from the entrance to the Identificationand Inking Officer, to the Ballot Issuer, to the Voting Screen, to the Ballot Box and exit.
Polling Station must be arranged with:• Individual signs and numbers identifying male and female Polling Stations.• Queue barriers with tape so that voters clearly know direction to their respective stations.• The Ballot box must be placed in a visible area (in the middle of the polling station, if possible) away
from entrances or windows without restricting voter flow in and out of station.• List of election Candidates.
In every station there must be at least two voting screens. In the voting screen there must be placed: • A permanent marker for marking the ballot paper.
All election campaign materials displayed within 100 meters of the Polling Center must be removed.
Delivery of Election Materials to the Polling Center
The Polling Center Supervisor is responsible for delivering Election Kit Box to the Polling Center fordistribution to the Polling Stations in that Center.
The Election Kit Box contains the following materials: • Ballot Box• Ballot Papers• Record of Serial Numbers of Voters Registration Cards on Polling Day (1 packet)• Polling Station Validating Stamp (for validation of ballots) (1)• Indelible Ink (1)• Polling Station Chairperson Worksheet (2)• Complaint Form (5)• Polling Station Journal (1)• Permanent marker (one box)• Pens (5)• Voter card Punch (1)• Ballot Box Seals (5)• Calculator (1)• Envelope for Spoiled Ballot papers (1)• TEBs (2)• List of election Candidates to be posted in the Polling Station (1)• Candles • Matches
The Polling Center Supervisor must carefully check the received election materials before distributing tothe Polling Station Chairpersons. In case of shortage of materials, Polling Center Supervisor must reportto the Provincial Logistics Officer immediately.
9
Section II: Before Polling
The Polling Station Chairperson is fully responsible for ensuring proper implementation of polling pro-cedures on Election Day.
Polling starts at 07:00 hrs and ends at 16:00 hrs.
Before Polling Begins
On Polling Day, the Polling Officials must arrive at the polling station not later than 06:00 hrs in orderto prepare for the conduct of the poll.
Before polling, the Chairperson:• Instructs Polling Officials about their responsibilities at the polling station and repeats polling proce-
dures very precisely.• Makes sure that in the voting screens are placed permanent marker for marking of ballots.
(Note: Polling Station Chairperson should pay attention to the permanent marker and, from time totime, check it to be sure it is still in the voting screen. If marker is missing in the screen Chairpersonmust put the new one).
• Hands over to Identification and Inking Officer the Voter Card Punch and Indelible Ink for votermarking.
Opening the Poll
After opening the polling at 07:00 Polling Station Chairperson: • Counts the ballot papers in the packets received and writes the
serial numbers on the ballot packets in the Polling StationChairperson's Worksheet. If some Ballots are missingfrom the packets, enters the number of missing ballotsin the Worksheet.
• Hands over to the Ballot Paper Issuer ballot papersand Validating Stamp.
10
Section III: Polling
11
Polling Journal
The Polling Station Chairperson and Polling Center Supervisor have Polling Journals (Notebook) inwhich they record:• Polling complaints.• Any significant events during the polling.
The Polling Station Chairperson must write on the front cover of the Journal the name of Province, num-ber of Polling Center and Polling Station.
Suspension of Polling
The Polling Center Supervisor, on the advice of Polling Station Chairperson, may order suspension ofpolling if the Polling Station is threatened by riot, violence, storm, flood, or any other occurrence, whichcan make the proper conduct of polling impossible.
After polling has been suspended the Polling Station Chairperson:• Seals ballot box slot.• Records time and reasons for suspension of the polling in the Polling Journal.• Packs election materials according to the packing instructions below.• Hands over election materials to the Polling Center Supervisor.
Sealing the Ballot Box
The ballot box must be sealed on the sides right at the start of the Polling at 07:00 hrs. Before sealing,the Polling Station Chairperson shows the opened ballot box to Candidate Agents and Observers to con-firm it is empty. Chairperson fixes tightly seals on the two sides of the box, records the seal numbers inthe Polling Station Chairperson's Worksheet and hands it over to the Ballot Box Controller. Candidateagents may also be invited to record the seal numbers.
12
Sealing the Ballot Box
Who May be Authorized to be in the Polling Station on Polling Day
On polling day, besides Polling Officials, the following individuals are authorized to be in the PollingStation and observe the voting process:• Members and Officers of the JEMB.• Special guests of the JEMB.• No more than two Observers from each Observer Organization accredited by the JEMB.
(Note: In case of overcrowding, Polling Station Chairperson will regulate the presence of observersto maintain order at the Polling Station. Chairperson must establish a schedule allowing Observersequal access to the Polling Station).
• One Candidate Agent representing each candidate.• One Journalist (can be accompanied by photographer or operator) from each Media organization.
All persons authorized to be in the Polling Station must wear identification badges indicating their identity.
Observers
An Observer has the right to:• Be in the Polling Station at any time on Polling Day and observe all stages of the voting process
without violating the secrecy of the vote.• Substitute with another accredited member of his/her organization (if any).• Participate in checking the ballot box before it is sealed and record seal numbers.• Observe ballot issuing and voter's verification without disturbing the voting process.• Observe the completion of Polling Station Chairperson's Worksheet.• Address the Polling Station Chairperson about issues relating to polling procedures.• Follow the vehicle carrying election documentation for counting.• Attend and observe the counting process at the counting center.
Observers must display their Badges for all times in the Polling Station.Female Polling Stations can be observed only by accredited female observers.
An Observer is not allowed to:• Interfere with or obstruct the functions of the Polling Officials.• Observe a voter marking a ballot.• Influence a voter's choice.• Campaign for any election Candidate in any way.• Display a logo or symbol of any election Candidate or Party.• Communicate with voters at any time inside the Polling Station.• Issue complaints.
The Polling Station Chairperson has the right to instruct Observers to cease any action, which is a mis-use of an Observer's rights. The Chairperson may remove an offender from the Polling Station for ignor-ing such an instruction.
Political Party and Independent Candidates Agents
Every election Candidate and Political Party accredited with JEMB has a right to appoint Agents to mon-itor the polling on his/her behalf. Only one Agent per election Candidate or Political Party may remainin the Polling Station at any time. A Political Party and Independent Candidate is allowed to replacehis/her Agent at any time in the Polling Station; the replaced Agent must notify the Polling StationChairperson about replacement.
13
Section IV: Individuals Authorized to be in the Polling Center and Polling Station
• An Agent has a right to be in the Polling Station on Election Day and observe all stages of voting.• Before a voter is handed a ballot, an Agent can object to the voter if s/he believes that the voter is not
entitled to vote. The Polling Station Chairperson must determine such objections immediately andrecord his/her decision in the Polling Station Journal.
• An Agent can observe the counting process at the Counting Center.• Only female agents can enter female Polling Stations.
An Agent:• Must wear his/her Accreditation Badge at all times while in the Polling Station. • Must conduct himself/herself appropriately while in the Polling Station.• Must not speak directly to voters in the Polling Station.• Must not handle any materials including ballot papers in the Polling Station.• Must obey any lawful orders of the Polling Station Chairperson and his/her staff.• Must not wear or carry any candidate's or party's logo or colors in the Polling Station.
Media Representatives
Only Media representatives accredited by the JEMB may observe polling in the Polling Station:• The Media is not allowed to interview any Agent, Voter, Observer or polling staff inside the Polling
Station during the polling, except the Polling Station Chairperson.• The number of Journalists allowed in each Polling Station is at the discretion of the Polling Station
Chairperson. • It is not allowed to film or photograph a voter marking a ballot in the voting screen.• Only female media personnel can enter female Polling Stations.
14
The Polling Center Supervisor and Polling Station Chairperson are responsible for keeping order in andaround the Polling Center and Polling Station on polling day. The Polling Officials and other authorizedpeople in the Polling Station are obliged to respect the decisions of the Polling Center Supervisor andPolling Station Chairperson.
• It is prohibited for a person to carry a gun or any other weapon in the polling station.• A person must not carry or use any weapon of any kind or any instrument capable of use as a weapon
at or within 500 meters of any Polling Center.• The law enforcement officials may enter the Polling Center and Polling Stations only at the request
of the Polling Center Supervisor or Polling Station Chairperson and only in cases when it is neces-sary for keeping order.
• The law enforcement officials must leave the Polling Center and Polling Stations as soon as a situa-tion is regularized.
Law enforcement officials must:• Keep order outside the polling center.• Prevent agitation near the polling center.• Regulate the situation in the Polling Station at the request of the Polling Station Chairperson.• Remove from Polling Station a person who misconducts himself/herself or fails to obey the lawful
orders of the Polling Station Chairperson. • Ensure the security of election materials.
Complaints regarding voting procedures raised at the Polling Station should be resolved unanimously bythe Polling Station Committee (Committee consists of Polling Station Officials) in question. If unanim-ity cannot be reached the two-third majority decision prevails.
Complaints regarding irregularities witnessed during the voting process can be made in writing or oral-ly at the time the irregularities are witnessed from 07:00 hrs on Polling Day until closing of polling sta-tion.
A Voter, Candidate Agent, Media Representative or Polling Official can lodge their written or oral com-plaints to the Polling Station Chairperson. All complaints should be made in the Special Form or in thePolling Journal (Notebook). A written complaint must be signed by or marked with thumbprint of thecomplainant.
If the Polling Station Chairperson deems necessary a complaint can be referred to the Polling CenterSupervisor. The Supervisor will assist the Polling Station Committee to reach a decision.
All complaints lodged in the Polling Station must be submitted together with election materials to therespective Counting Centers.
15
Section V: Ensuring Security at the Polling Station
Section Vl: Polling Day Complaints
The Polling Stations closes at 16:00 hrs sharp. However, voters standing in the queue at this time can stillvote. The Polling Station Chairperson counts the voters standing in the queue and asks the QueueController to stand behind the last person. After the last voter in the queue has voted, polling closes.The Queue Controller should not allow voters who arrive after 16:00 hrs to join the queue.
Sealing the Ballot Box Slots and Completion of Polling Station Chairperson's Worksheet
After polling is finished, the Polling Station Chairperson seals tightly the slot of the ballot box with spe-cial seals and enters the number of the seals in the Worksheet (see Annex 4). The Chairperson invitesCandidate Agents and Observers to make their own record of the seal numbers. The Polling StationChairperson then fills out the Polling Station Chairperson's Worksheet and places it in Tamper EvidentBag #1.
Before completing the Worksheet, the Polling Station Chairperson should make sure that all figures arecorrect. To avoid mistakes, calculate figures on separate blank paper to be sure that every figure is cor-rect before entering them in the Worksheet.
The Polling Station Chairperson: • Counts spoiled ballots and enters these figures in row "B" of the Worksheet. Spoiled ballots must be
packed separately into the A5 envelopes and then into Tamper Evident Bag #1.• Counts unused ballots and enters these figures in row "C" of the worksheet. Unused ballots must be
packed into Tamper Evident Bag # 1.• Calculates the total number of ballots as follows: number of Ballots received by Polling Station plus
number of extra Ballots received by Polling Station and writes this figure in the row "A" of theWorksheet.
• Calculates number of Ballots issued to voters as follows: total ballots received minus number ofspoiled ballots and minus number of unused ballots and enters this figure in row "D" of theWorksheet.
• Enters the total number of voters from the Record of Serial Numbers of Voters Registration Cards onPolling Day in the row "E" of the Worksheet.
Note: If the Number in the row "E" of the Worksheet does not match with the number in the row"D" of the Worksheet:• Calculate once again the number of unused and spoilt ballots (rows "C" and "B").• Count the ballot paper counterfoils. • Check once again the number of ballots (including extra ballots) received.• Count once again the serial numbers in the Voters Serial Numbers Record Form.• Check once again calculation of total number of Ballots Issued to voters (row "D").
If after checking figures in the rows "E" and "D" still do not match, write and then circle the figure in therow "E".
The Polling Station Chairperson signs the Worksheet and places it in the TEB #1.
16
Section Vll: After Polling
After packing, all election materials must be delivered to the Counting Center. No materials should beforgotten, because these materials will be used for next elections in Afghanistan.
After polling has ended, the Polling Station Chairperson must pack election materials as follows:
Tamper Evident Bag (TEB) #1:• Polling Station Journal• Polling Station Chairperson's Worksheet• Spoiled ballot papers • Unused ballot papers
Tamper Evident Bag (TEB) #2:• Unused forms• Polling Station Validating Stamp• Unused seals for ballot box• Counterfoils of Ballot Papers
All written complaints lodged in the Polling Station and Polling Station Record Form of VoterRegistration Cards Serial Numbers on Polling Day must be handed over to the Polling Center Supervisorin order to pack in the TEB #3
Other election materials and stationery items can be packed in the Election Kit Box. Voting Screens mustbe folded neatly and returned to the Counting Center with other election materials.
Do not seal the TEBs until the contents of the bags are properly checked by the Polling Center Supervisor(because after it is sealed, Polling Center Supervisor cannot reopen it without spoiling it).
Polling Station Chairperson must fill out TEB labels and sign them. Polling Center Supervisor must alsosign (see Annex 7 below).
Polling Station Chairperson should hand over all election materials to the Polling Center Supervisor, whocompletes the General Return Form individually with each Polling Station Chairperson.
Completing the Polling Center Supervisor General Return Form
General Return Form (see Annex 8) must be completed by Polling Center Supervisor for the checkingof materials received from the Polling Station Chairpersons. Polling Center Supervisor must carefullycheck the contents of all TEBs, fill out General Return Form and after making sure that all materials arein place, seal the TEBs. Note: The Polling Center Supervisor must transcribe in the General Return row "E" the exact figures(including circles for those figures which are circled) as written in the Chairperson's Worksheet (row"E").
Packing by the Polling Center Supervisor
After filling out the General Return Form, the Polling Center Supervisor packs into the Polling CenterTamper Evident Bag the following election materials:
Tamper Evident Bag (TEB) #3:• Unused extra ballot papers• Unused Forms
17
Section VIII: Packing of Election Materials
• Record of Voter Registration Cards Serial Numbers on Polling Day• Signed Copies of Polling Officials' Oath• Written complaints (if any) lodged in the Polling Station• General Return Form• Polling Center Journal
Polling Officials' Oath signed by Polling Officials during the training must be collected by Polling CenterSupervisor and packed into the TEB #3.
The Polling Center Supervisor must fill out TEB label and sign it.
Packing for Transportation
Polling Center Supervisors will receive ballot boxes,TEBs and stationery materials, already packed, fromthe Chairpersons.
TEBs are stacked on top of the Ballot Box for therespective stations and sealed with scotch tape.
After election materials are packed, the Polling CenterSupervisor takes all materials to the vehicle for deliv-ery to the Counting Center.
The Polling Center Supervisor must pack the ballotboxes in the vehicle properly. They should not be inposition where they can fall or move around in thevehicle. Attention must be paid to the box seals and allelection materials.
Delivery of Materials to the Counting Center
The Polling Center Supervisor accompanies all election materials to the Counting Center. CandidateAgents and Observers are allowed to follow the vehicle, which carries election materials.
The Vehicle should not wait for Candidate Agents or Observers if they are not ready to follow. All elec-tion materials must be delivered to the Counting Center without delay.
Check-in of Materials at the Counting Center
Upon arrival at the Counting Center, all election materials are checked by the Counting Center Check-inTeam. In the presence of the Polling Center Supervisor, the Check-in Team completes Checklist and ver-ifies General Return. Polling Center Supervisor must remain in the Counting Center until the hand-overprocess is over and check-list is completed. If the Check-in Team needs to clarify the content of electionmaterials, the Polling Station Chairperson's Worksheet can be taken out from the TEB #1 and presentedto the Check-in Team.
Payment of Polling Officials
In order to receive payment, Polling Center Supervisors and Polling Officials must keep their PollingOfficial's ID cards.
18
Under Article 58 of the Electoral Law, a person who commits any of the following offences during campaign or election will be subject to prosecution:
• Threatens or intimidates a voter or a candidate or causes a disturbance of the electoral process;• Prevents the presence of voters, candidates or their agents in the Polling Stations without due cause;• Commits fraud or cheating in voting or vote counting;• Votes with and/or through a false card or through the card of another person;• Changes, replaces, steals or destroys electoral documents;• Manufactures false cards;• Commits fraud in the voter registration card;• Attempts to use a forged voter registration card;• Attempts to vote more than once;• Opens and/or breaks the padlock of a secure storage location, or the lock or seal of the ballot box
without due authority;• Impedes voters or candidates from participating in the electoral process;• Makes use of funds originating in illegal activities or from foreign sources;• Uses insulting speech; and• Encourages or provokes other persons to commit any of the above-mentioned offences.
Electoral Officials who receive complaints regarding above mentioned offences must communicate suchcomplains to the police and to the JEMB
The JEMB may sanction political parties or independent candidates if it determines that a party or anindependent candidate directed or sanctioned electoral offences committed by individuals.
Where the JEMB believes that an infraction has taken place it shall refer the matter to the relevant lawenforcement or prosecutorial authorities, giving the reasons for its request.
19
Annex l: Electoral Offences
JOINT ELECTION MANAGEMENT BODY
Electoral Officials Oath
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
I, (please state name) , hereby swear and declare that:
I shall uphold and abide by the Constitution, Electoral Laws and Rules of the Islamic State ofAfghanistan and the Joint Electoral Management Body;
I shall be independent and impartial in the exercise of my functions and shall be guided by the goal ofensuring free and fair elections reflecting the will of the people of Afghanistan;
I shall not, in the performance of my duties, seek or receive instructions from any government, politi-cal party, candidate or any other authority or person other than the duly authorized officials of theJEMB;
I shall refrain from any action, which is likely to compromise the integrity of the electoral process;I shall not, without due authorization from the Director of the JEMB Secretariat, disclose any informa-tion made known to me in the course of my official duties; and
I shall keep secret and confidential any information made known to me relating to the candidacies, thevote which any voter intends to cast or has cast, or any such information of which I may come to learnin the course of my official duties.
I will respect and uphold every provision of the JEMB Code of Conduct for Electoral Officials.I am aware that breach of this oath will lead to disciplinary action, which could entail dismissal fromoffice.
Name ______________________________________
Signature ____________________________________
Title ________________________________________
Date ________________________________________
20
Annex 2
JOINT ELECTORAL MANAGEMENT BODY
Code of Conduct for Electoral Officials
PART I: General Provisions
Scope and Purpose of the Code of Conduct:
This Code of Conduct is developed and adopted pursuant to art.2, paragraph 1, sub-section (vi), of thePresidential Decree on arrangements for holding elections during the transitional period, and art. 21 ofthe Electoral Registration Regulation.
The legal and ethical standards set out in the present Code have been prepared to guide the activities of theElectoral Officials during the registration process, political campaign period, election day counting and tab-ulation processes, and must be implemented with common sense, sound judgment and in good faith.
PART II: Rights and Duties of Electoral Officials
All Electoral Officials shall abide by this Code of Conduct and, while performing their functions, shall:
1) Ensure the fundamental rights to freedom of opinion and expression, association, assembly andmovement at all stages of the registration process, campaign and election day;
2) Comply with the election laws and the other laws of Afghanistan;3) Ensure, within the legal framework of Afghanistan, that the laws are fully implemented in an impar-
tial and equitable fashion, and that each political party, candidate, voter and other participant in theelection process is treated in a way that is fair, just and equitable to all others;
4) Perform all tasks in a manner that is strictly non-partisan and politically neutral in every matter con-cerning a political party, candidate voter or member of the press or media;
5) Carry out their functions in a transparent manner and be as open as possible about all the decisionsand actions they take;
6) Perform every task on the basis of the highest standard of professionalism;7) Conduct themselves, at all times, in an irreproachable manner, exercise sound judgment and observe
the highest level of personal discretion and integrity;8) Not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to any member or candidate of political
party, individual, group or organization representing and promoting the special interests of any of thepolitical parties officially registered by the Ministry of Justice;
9) Have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolveany conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest;
10) Work to provide to every voter the highest quality service required to enable voters to exercise theirrights with least possible inconvenience or influence, within the country's legal framework;
11) Comply fully with the lawful direction of the Joint Electoral Management Body and its Secretariat,and bring to their attention all information and complaints regarding intimidation and other allega-tions of unlawful conduct;
PART III: Penalties
Non-compliance with the present Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary actions, as established inArt. 9 of the Offences Regulation.
21
Annex 3
22
Annex 4
Name of Province
Name of District
Polling Center
Polling Station
Election Materials Ballot box side seal numbers at start of polling
Left #
Right #
From:
To: Serial numbers of ballots
received Number of Missing Ballots (if any):
1. Number of ballots received by polling station
From: 2. Quantity and Serial number of Extra Ballots received:
Quantity: To:
A. Total Number of Ballots received by Polling Station: A=1+2
B. Number of spoiled ballots
C. Number of unused ballots
D. Number of ballots issued to voters. D = A-B-C
E. Number of Voters in the Record of Serial Numbers of Voters Registration Cards on polling day
Ballot box side seal numbers at the end of polling Left # Right #
Ballot box slot seal number
Signature of Polling Station Chairperson Date:
Presidential Election
Afghanistan 2004
Polling Station Chairperson’s Worksheet
JEMB/PP-01
23
Annex 5
Name of Province
Name of District
Polling Center
Polling Station
Details of Complaint:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Complainant ……………………………………………………………………… Signature or Mark of Complainant ………………………………………………………………………. Complainant’s Contact details ………………………………………………………………………. Signature of Polling Station Chairperson ……………………………………………………………………… Date and time of lodging complaint ……………………………………………………………………….
Presidential ElectionAfghanistan 2004
Polling Station Complaint Form
JEMB/PP-02
24
Annex 6
Presidential Elections Afghanistan 2004 Record of Serial Numbers of Voters Registration Cards on Polling Day
Polling Station Polling Center District Province
Signature of Identification and Inking Officer: ……………………………… Date:
Signature of Polling Station Chairperson:………………………………….…
No Serial Number of Voter Registration Card No Serial Number of Voter Registration Card
1. 26
2. 27.
3. 28.
4. 29.
5. 30.
6. 31.
7. 32.
8. 33.
9. 34.
10. 35.
11. 36.
12. 37.
13. 38.
14. 39.
15 40
16 41
17 42
18 43
19 44
20 45
21 46
22 47
23 48
24 49
25 50
JEMB/PP-03
25
Annex 7
Polling Station Tamper Evident Bag 1 TEB 1 Serial Number
Name of Province Code of Province
Name of District Code of District
Polling Center
Polling Station Journal
Polling Station Chairperson’s Worksheet
:Number of spoiled ballot papers
:Number of unused ballot papers
Contents
Date and Signature of Polling Center Supervisor
Date and Signature of Polling Station Chairperson
Presidential Election Afghanistan 2004
TEB 1
26
Polling Station Tamper Evident Bag 2 TEB 2 Serial Number
Name of Province Code of Province
Name of District Code of District
Polling Station Polling Center
Polling Station Validating Stamp
Polling Officials’ Badges
Counterfoils of Ballot Papers
Number of voters recorded in the Voter Registration Cards Serial Numbers Record
:Number of unused forms
:Number of unused seals for ballot box
Contents
Polling Center Supervisor
Date and Signature of Polling Station Chairperson
Presidential Election Afghanistan 2004
TEB 2
27
Polling Center Tamper Evident Bag 3 TEB Serial Number
Name of Province Code of Province
Name of District Code of District
Number of Polling Center
General Return Form
:Number of unused extra ballots
Polling Center Journal
:Number of “Election Officials Oath”
: Number of unused forms
: Number of Complaints
Contents
Date and Signature of
Polling Center Supervisor
Presidential Election Afghanistan 2004
TEB 3
28
Presidential Elections Afghanistan 2004
Polling Center Supervisor’s General Return
THE SECTION BELOW WILL BE COMPLETED IN THE COUNTING CENTER DURING CHECKING-IN
THE SECTION BELOW WILL BE COMPLETED IN THE COUNTING CENTER DURING THE RECONCILIATION POLLING STATION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Number of Ballots found in Ballot Box
Confirmed by the Counting Center Manager after Reconciliation:
__________________________CCM Signature and Date
Name of Province Code of Province
Name of District Code of District
Number of Polling Center Quantity of ballots received by the Center at the beginning of polling:
From
Serial numbers To
POLLING STATION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Ballot box seal numbers at
start of polling (side seals)
(1) Number of ballots distributed to polling stations at the start of polling
(2) Extra ballots distributed to polling stations during the polling
A. Total number of ballots distributed to polling stations = (1)+(2)
B. Number of spoiled ballots
C. Number of unused ballots
D. Number of ballots issued to voters = A-B-C
E. Number of Voters in the Voters Serial Numbers Record Form
Ballot box seal numbers at the end of polling (side seals)
Ballot box slot seal number
Signatures of Polling Station Chairpersons
Signature of Polling Center Supervisor Date:
POLLING STATION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Signature to confirm seals found intact
Right
Left
Right
Left
