Location and preparation of the Ballot Counting Centres
1. No later than 60 days prior to the election date, the prefect of the region submits to the CEC a complete list of buildings within the territory of the region that meet the conditions provided in points 1 and 2 of article 93 and of this article. No later than 30 days from the date of elections, the CEC designates, by a decision, the Ballot Counting Centre. In designating the Ballot Counting Centre, the CEC may select the municipality that is the centre of the district even if it is located outside the territorial jurisdiction of the EAZ, or a municipality within the territory of the EAZ, or even the largest administrative unit if the municipalities do not meet the conditions provided in article 93 and in this article. While selecting the location of the BCC, the CEC gives priority to the logistical facilities related to road transportation, the distance from the voting centres and the space of the potential premises. As a rule, the Ballot Counting Centre does not change from one election to another.
The Ballot Counting Centre is designated in large rooms or in gymnasiums. The Ballot Counting Centres are to be placed at the disposal of the CEAZs no later than 10 days prior to the election date. The CEAZ, no later than 5 days before the election date, is to invite the electoral subjects and VCC members to get to know the Ballot Counting Centre. In selecting the location, the CEC should also take into consideration the possibility of applying supporting technology for counting the votes in accordance with point 4 of this article.
2. Before introducing the Ballot Counting Centre to the relevant electoral subjects and respective VCCs, the CEC prepares the necessary logistical infrastructure for the counting centre, including uninterrupted lighting for the beginning and successful execution of the vote counting process according to a model of arrangement approved by the CEC and according to the respective instructions of the CEC. For this purpose, the CEC arranges work tables for each Counting Team, ensuring that they have sufficient space for conducting the vote counting process. The work tables are arranged in such a way that they are visible for the CEAZ members and observers, candidates or media representatives, and that they allow the application of the supporting technology in accordance with point 4 of this article. Observers are to remain in front of the Counting Teams at a short distance from the work table, or if the technology in accordance with point 4 of this article is used, in front of the television monitors. The observers must not have physical contact with the voting materials. The work tables of the Counting Teams, as well as the seats of the CEAZ members, must be in the same room where the vote counting process takes place. A Ballot Counting Centre cannot have fewer than 5 and more than 10 work tables.
3. The logistical equipment necessary for the vote counting process is provided by the CEC in co-operation with other central or local organs.
4. The CEC decides on the use of registration cameras and television monitors for displaying the ballot papers before their evaluation. High resolution cameras are installed above the work table in such a way as to make possible the recording of the evaluation of each ballot paper. The film recording is transmitted in real time on monitors placed in front of the observers of electoral subjects. The filming of the process is recorded electronically and is delivered to the CEC together with the other election materials. The CEC or, when it is possible, the CEAZ as well, should make reproduction copies of them and put them at the disposal of the electoral subjects in exchange for payment of a tariff that covers the reproduction cost.
