XI. Counting and tabulation of results

B. Counting procedure

1. Timing

Article 122 requires that the Aggregate Table of Results for the respective Electoral Administration Zone be issued by the CEAZ no later than 17:00 on the day following the elections. Such a short deadline has proven to be unrealistic, even more so in the local elections, given the large number of ballot papers (of different types), particularly given the limited number of BCCs (66). The experience of the 2011 local elections showed that the counting may take up to a week in most BCCs and even two weeks in Tirana. The inability to observe the deadline also affects the complaints and appeals process, which starts with the tabulation of results. This makes the process protracted and renders the time of its conclusion and consequently the announcement of final results uncertain.