How an election work is that each candidate will assign polling agents. These agents are at a "polling place" in every "polling centre". They are the ones, together with civil servants, to ensure that there is no fraud during voting. Hence they "shout out your names and NRIC to opposite", they are usually from opposing camps, and if there is not enough polling agents(as some candidates cannot garner enough), there are "civil servants" that will help you do it.
Next is each candidate will assign counting agents. Counting agents are at every counting centre, and fight for the votes when there is ambiguity. As long as there is signs when the person. Usually the voting slip are voided on two counts
1. Totally no markings
2. Name and/or NRIC and other ID is written on the slip, including signature etc.
A recount is also done at the elections department, after all the votes have been counted and sent in. Once the votes are counted, the election agents and candidates are given the numbers and are there to verify the it.Why are there descrepencies in a recount? Mainly due to a "rejudgement" during the recount, where counting agents will again "fight for votes" and hence a change in the numbers.
If there is fraud, the candidates will file a complaint.
From a Tan Jee Say counting agent
