The sequence of events during the count should be clarified in Article 63, for example in the following way:
Before opening the ballot box:
- Enter the total number of ballot papers received in the protocol;
- Count the spoiled ballots and enter the number in the protocol;
- Count the unused ballots and enter the number in the protocol;
- Count the number of signatures on the ordinary voters lists and enter the number in the protocol;
- Count the number of voters on the supplementary voters lists and enter the number in the protocol;
- Pack and seal unused and spoiled ballots.
Only after this is done should the ballot boxes be opened. This is to make sure that the reconciliation of numbers is done in a proper manner without merely entering figures that seem to match. The experience in Moldova has not always been good when it comes to reconciling election results.
