Decisions of the Independent High Authority for Elections (French: ISIE) on rules and procedures of casting and sorting ballots in local elections were published in the last issue of the Official Journal of the Tunisian Republic (n°145). The decision n°15 on rules and procedures of casting and sorting ballots stipulates that voters shall place a mark near the name of the candidate they wish to elect. Ballot sorting and counting shall take place in the presence of representatives of the candidate and observers. Then, staff members of polling stations and representatives of candidates shall sign the statement of votes. In the event of objection, motives shall be stated by representatives of candidates. The presiding officer of the polling centre is required by law to answer in this same statement. Decision n°16 sets out rules and procedures for the selection by sortition of candidates with disabilities. The date and venue of the procedure shall be defined by the election commission. This will take place i n a transparent way in the presence of ISIE representatives and candidates or their representatives, media and accrdited observers. In the event of one candidate in the selection by sortition, he/she would win the seat dedicated to candidates with disabilities. Decision n°17 provides for a single round, or two if the need arises, in single-mandate constituencies. Each election district is represented by one person. A single candidate standing in a constituency will be elected systematic way regardless if the number of votes . A candidate with an absolute majority of votes in the first round will also be declared winner. A second round shall be held in the event of failure to get absolute majority. The two candidates with the highest votes vye for a seat in a second round. The oldest candidate wins a seat in the case of a tie. The second round is due to take place two weeks after the announcement of the final results of the first round. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse
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