Returning officers caution against election night template

Standardising process would create problems

Two returning officers have cautioned against the introduction of a rigid 'template' for conducting counts on election nights.

Garff officer Winston Taylor and Onchan officer Jeremy Callin say rules must be strictly followed but standardising the process would create problems.

Both gave evidence to a Tynwald committee on the organisation and operation of the 2016 general election - discrepancies had emerged during the counting of votes in several constituencies.  

Mr Callin told Manx Radio that officers need flexibility to deal with some issues, and the freedom to exercise common sense.