The Voting Process using a transparent Ballot Box.
National Assembly, Rodrigues Regional Assembly and Local Government Council elections are conducted according to the relevant legislations.
Nomination and Poll Days for all these elections, which are normally held every 5 years are fixed by the President.
The Electoral Supervisory Commission, after consultation with the Electoral Commissioner, appoints the Returning Officer and junior staff - who are all civil servants.
The Returning Officer and their deputies work in close collaboration with the Electoral Commissioner's Office for the smooth running of the election.
On Nomination, Poll and Counting days, the Returning Officer is assisted by other election officers.
On Nomination Day, party and independent candidates submit their Nomination Papers - as required by law - to the Returning Officer.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is responsible for installation of voting booths in all Polling Stations which are provided with electricity.
Ballot papers are printed by the Government Printing Office and verified by each Returning Officer assisted by his staff before being sealed, kept under police custody till the morning of Poll Day when they are conveyed to their respective Polling Stations.
Transparent ballot boxes are used for the elections.
A handicapped elector shows his interest to vote
Assisted Voters: Election staff assist blind and incapacitated voters upon request. Handicapped voters may also be assisted by companions of their choice if the legislation so permits.
The Police are responsible for the maintenance of law and order during elections and they work in close collaboration with the Electoral Commissioner's Office and the Electoral Supervisory Commission.
The Hours of Poll are set out below: -
Type of Election
Hours of Poll
National Assembly
Mauritius
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rodrigues
6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Agalega
6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Municipal Council
6 a.m.to 6 p.m. (excluding noon to 1 p.m )
Village Council
7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding noon to 1 p.m.)
Rodrigues Regional Assembly
6.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Candidates are entitled to agents inside Voting Rooms and in the yard of polling stations on Poll Day as well as in Counting Rooms on Counting Day to witness the proceedings.
The responsibility of every Polling Station is assigned to a Senior Presiding Officer whilst each Voting Room is under the charge of a Presiding Officer. Each registered elector applies to him for a ballot paper and same is issued to the elector if the Presiding Officer is satisfied of his identity.
Persons voting by Proxy: The categories of persons entitled to vote by proxy are specified in the relevant regulations for each type of election. They include, inter alia, members of the Police Force and election officers engaged in the performance of election duties.
At the close of Poll, the relevant ballot boxes are sealed and conveyed to the Counting Station under police and agents' escort where they are kept overnight in sealed rooms under police custody and under the watch of agents of the candidates.
On the following day, continuous counting of the votes is effected as from 8 a.m. Partial results are issued periodically. When counting is completed, the Returning Officer compiles the figures in all Counting Rooms and forthwith publicly declares the results. The Returning Officer submits his returns thereafter to the Electoral Commissioner for publication in the Government Gazette and for other puposes.
