04 May 2007
A Scotland Office spokesman said:
"E-counting has worked well in a number of areas and voters can be reassured that where counts have been completed the results are accurate and final.
"Obviously, in various places, serious technical failures have arisen to delay the announcement of results. In the first instance, these failures must be investigated by DRS and relevant returning officers against the timing targets set in the supply contract.
"We share the public's concern about the high number of rejected ballot papers.
"The independent Electoral Commission will undertake a statutory review into the conduct of this election. It is important that they look as a matter of urgency into delays in postal ballots, the high number of spoiled ballot papers, and the performance of the electronic counting machines.
"Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for Scotland, has today spoken to Sir Neil McIntosh, the Scottish Commissioner on the Electoral Commission, and established that his review will cover the key issues of concern.
"Separately, the Scottish Government has asked that the Electoral Commission's review should cover all aspects of the local council elections."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
Contact:
Clark Dunn, 0131 244 9053/ 07917 084371
Nathaniel Mumford, 0131 244 9053 / 07771 938878