 It was also noted that observation of the postal vote process was neither consistent nor transparent. Party agents were not given a specified time to observe the receiving of postal ballots making it impractical for them to be in a position to observe the process. Additionally, how and where the votes were secured was not clear. In certain voting stations, the number of postal votes was so small that given the fact that the identities of those casting postal votes was recorded and known, the secrecy of the vote was compromised. The lack of communication around the management of the postal vote process was a source of criticism by some stakeholders. Key procedures for opening and voting process The key prescribed procedures for opening and voting are as follows: Opening of the polls  Voting officially commences at 0700 hours. 
  Prior to the opening of the polls, the three translucent ballot boxes are shown to all present to confirm that they are empty.  Two opposite sides are sealed with padlocks, while the other sides are closed with numbered seal straps. The seal numbers are recorded and provided to the party agents present. 
  Accredited party agents, citizen and international observers are allowed to be present for the opening. 
 Voting  Usher – As voters line up in queues outside the polling stations, the usher checks that the voter is at the correct polling station, inspects the voter’s finger to ensure they have not already voted and checks that the voter has the appropriate form of identification. 
  Voters roll officer – verifies and confirms the voter’s details against the register and then marks the register to signify they have received the ballots.  Ballot paper issuer 1 – validates the Presidential ballot with the official stamp, folds the ballot papers and then directs the voter to the next official. 
  Ballot paper issuer 2 – validates the National Assembly ballot with the official stamp, folds the ballot papers and then directs the voter to the next official.  Ballot paper issuer 3 – validates the Local Councillor ballot with the official stamp, folds the ballot papers and then directs the voter to the next official. 48