The Editor, Sir:

The general election, and the anxiety which has characterised its aftermath, have gradually passed and soon, the society should be pushed into normality.

However, the process of ballot counting should be reviewed as the relevant authorities reflect on the discrepancies and pitfalls of the event. The process of ballot counting is undeniably a mental process, which requires concentration and psychological wellness.

It is no doubt reasonable to suggest that the fatigue created by a day of mental and physical rigidity would render the individuals incapable of performing with the required efficiency in counting the ballots, especially the same night after the electorate had voted.

The fatigue would have affected concentration and perhaps induced unintended seconds of napping, which would have been detrimental to the outcome of the counting process.

In addition, the immediate anxiety caused by partisan 'social identity' and the 'waiting' for the outcome can affect the counting process as election workers are also part of the electorate, and no doubt, have normal vested interests in the results of the general election.

Reduce tensions

With this in mind, the individuals and the time of counting the ballots should be critically considered in order to reduce the tensions between partisan supporters and also among the candidates of the major political parties.

First, it is a good idea to delay the counting of ballots until the day after the election. This would give the stakeholders some time to relax and perhaps reduce mental and physical tensions - ensuring efficiency in performing the process.

Second, individuals involved in the counting should be specially selected and vetted to ensure unbiased attitudes - perhaps a cadre of clergymen and women.

The psychology of elections characterises one aspect of political psychology that should be considered by the authorities and in such consideration, the psychological implications of ballot counting, especially as it relates to the counters, should be critically evaluated.

I am, etc.,

Canute White