One million votes to be counted…if everyone voted!

Mauritius is preparing to take a major step in its electoral history. For the first time, the number of registered voters has surpassed one million. The new electoral register will come into effect on 21 November, after the dissolution of Parliament. However, despite the demographic and democratic progress, we are sadly unable to establish a same-day counting system during the next general elections – despite the laudable fact that the Electoral Commission chose to consult widely across political groups. Recent allegations of electoral irregularities, while unfounded in the courts, have nonetheless fuelled public mistrust and opposition rhetoric.

This is an advantage for transparency (at the ballot box), productivity (of civil servants), and strategic and logistical organization.

Around the world, the trend is moving more toward same-day counting. In Africa and elsewhere, a growing number of countries are counting ballots immediately after polling stations close and counting ballots on-site at polling stations. This approach reduces the need to transport ballots, which can pose a security risk, and ensures that all election stakeholders—polling staff, party representatives, and observers—are present during the count.

The benefits of same-day counts go beyond simple convenience. The most important advantage is the speed with which results are obtained. Fast results reduce the possibility of manipulation or fraud, thereby increasing the credibility of the election and the likelihood of acceptance by candidates and voters.

On the other hand, delayed counting brings a host of inconveniences. It increases logistical complexity and the risk of potential fraud. The longer the delay between voting and counting, the greater the risk that ballots will be altered or mishandled, and the greater the potential for suspicion and unrest.

In countries such as Haiti, Afghanistan or Iraq where same-day counting is not done, the reasons are usually related to security issues. In these countries, the counting process is centralized in secure locations and sometimes takes days or even weeks to complete. However, Mauritius, as a relatively peaceful island nation, does not face such security challenges. It is therefore surprising that same-day counting is not yet possible while we continue to recruit police officers or soldiers.