As recalled by the Electoral Service, beyond the complaint of loss of votes, “it is up to the Electoral Courts to determine the final count.”
The Electoral Service (Servel) denied the loss of more than 70 thousand votes in the Municipal and regional Electionsand assured that according to the provisional results there is a much smaller difference.
Through a statement, the organization stated that “The news from La Segunda that 70,662 votes have been lost is not effective in the elections of October 26 and 27.”
In the text, Servel stated that according to the figures provided by the counting colleges, “the votes of regional governors total 13,122,723 votes; those of alcaldes 13.120.020 suffrages; those of regional councilors 13,119,149 votes, and those of councilors 13,121,762 suffrages. The differences between these elections are 7,238 votes“, he detailed.
He then stated that “These differences in no case are lost votes, as the aforementioned media seeks to establish“, and then specified that those “are produced by differences in the tally sheets in the four elections“.
Servel’s explanation for vote discrepancy
Servel then delved into the loss of votes and said that the discrepancies “are mainly due to minutes with a difference in magnitude, since a number of votes appear higher than the voters at the tableand unbalanced minutes where The total of the votes does not match the details of the votes of each candidate“.
“The results of the tables that have these differences They are detailed and published in the provisional results on the Servel website. which any voter can access,” the organization stated.
According to what was stated by the service, “It is up to the Electoral Courts to determine the final count and they are the ones who have the power to review these minutes with differences, scrutinizing the tables again, and even reviewing the votes (if necessary), especially when there are close results and these differences can influence the final results. They are what ultimately proclaim the elected candidates“.
How can voters ensure the integrity of elections in light of recent controversies?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Electoral Expert on Vote Counting Controversy
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our segment today! We’re joined by Dr. Lucia Romero, an expert in electoral processes and public administration. Lucia, thank you for being here.
Dr. Lucia Romero (DLR): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. Recently, there was a claim by La Segunda about over 70,000 votes being lost in the recent Municipal and Regional Elections in Chile. How did Servel respond to that?
DLR: Servel promptly denied those allegations, clarifying that the numbers reported were not accurate. They stated that the discrepancy is significantly lower, around 7,238 votes, between the election categories.
TNE: That certainly puts things into perspective. For our audience, could you explain why accuracy in vote counting is so crucial in elections?
DLR: Absolutely. Accurate counting is essential not just for the integrity of the election, but also for public trust in the democratic process. If people believe that votes are being lost or miscounted, it undermines faith in the institutions and could lead to apathy or even civil unrest.
TNE: Servel mentioned that the final count is ultimately determined by the Electoral Courts. Why is that distinction important?
DLR: This distinction is vital because it emphasizes the legal framework surrounding electoral processes. The courts play a crucial role in ensuring that all concerns regarding vote counts are addressed systematically and impartially. This helps prevent misinformation and ensures that disputes are handled within the legal system rather than through public outcry or media sensationalism.
TNE: Servel listed the total votes for various positions—over 13 million for regional governors and similar numbers for other positions. How does the large volume of votes affect the counting process?
DLR: In processes like this, a high volume of votes indeed complicates matters. However, efficient electoral systems utilize technology and trained personnel to handle large datasets accurately. Nevertheless, large discrepancies, as reported, can arise due to administrative errors or miscommunications, and it’s crucial to address these concerns promptly.
TNE: It sounds like transparency in the process is key. How can electoral authorities improve public confidence moving forward?
DLR: Transparency is crucial. Electoral authorities can implement more robust public communication strategies, provide real-time updates during vote counting, and ensure that observers from different political parties can monitor the process. These measures can help reassure the public that everything is being handled appropriately.
TNE: Thanks for breaking that down, Lucia. What do you think the implications of this incident could be for future elections in Chile?
DLR: If not addressed properly, it could lead to increased skepticism about the electoral process. Conversely, a prompt and transparent resolution could strengthen trust. This calls for diligent communication and public education about how elections are managed and what procedures are in place to safeguard against discrepancies.
TNE: That’s a valuable perspective. As we wrap up, what advice would you give to voters who may be feeling uncertain about the electoral process after these reports?
DLR: I would encourage voters to stay informed through credible sources, participate in civic discussions, and engage with local electoral bodies. It’s vital to understand the electoral system so that confidence can be built on facts rather than fear or speculation.
TNE: Wise words, Lucia. Thank you for sharing your insights on this pertinent issue. It’s clear that the road ahead requires both diligence from electoral authorities and engagement from the public.
DLR: Thank you for having me. Awareness and communication are foundational to a healthy democracy.
TNE: And that concludes our interview today. Thank you to Dr. Lucia Romero for her expert insights. Stay tuned for more updates from Time.news.