International observers reported turnout above the previous cycle in the regional elections, describing polling as broadly orderly while logging a number of isolated procedural complaints concentrated in two districts.
The observation mission deployed teams across a sample of polling stations covering urban and rural areas. Its preliminary statement noted that opening procedures were followed in the large majority of stations visited and that party agents were present throughout counting in nearly all cases.
Complaints logged
The complaints recorded involved late opening at a small number of stations, shortages of ballot papers in three locations and disputes over the accreditation of observers at two counting centres. The mission said none of the issues appeared coordinated or systematic.
The electoral commission acknowledged the ballot paper shortages and attributed them to distribution errors that were corrected within the polling day. Voting hours were extended at the affected stations.
What we saw was a process that worked in most places and had identifiable, correctable problems in a few.
What follows
Provisional results are expected within several days, with certification to follow once the appeals window closes. Two parties have indicated they will file challenges relating to specific counting centres rather than to the overall conduct of the vote.
The mission will publish a full report in the coming weeks, including recommendations on ballot distribution and observer accreditation procedures for future cycles.
