Vote Counting for Local Elections to Start 6:20 PM, Results Expected by Midnight or Early Morning

Vote counting for the June 3 local elections will commence at 6:20 PM nationwide after polls close, with the initial results expected to reveal the winners in races with significant vote margins by midnight. However, outcomes for closely contested elections may not be clear until the early morning hours of June 4, according to the Central Election Commission.

The counting process begins sequentially at national vote-counting centers once ballot boxes arrive from each polling station. While the arrival times may vary by region, most are anticipated around 6:20 PM. The first preliminary results are projected to be released around 7:30 PM, though some areas with larger electorates or specific counting conditions might see releases delayed until 8 or 9 PM.

This delay is attributed to the multi-stage process involved, including opening ballot boxes, sorting ballots by election type, operating ballot sorters, manual counting, and final verification by election officials. To expedite the release of information on races generating the most public interest, the commission is guiding counting centers to prioritize ballots for provincial governor positions and National Assembly by-elections over those for local council seats.

This structured approach aims to provide timely and accurate results while managing the logistical complexities of a large-scale election. The staggered release of results reflects the varying degrees of competition and the procedural requirements for each electoral contest.