Nachzählungsanordnung

Nachzählungsanordnung refers to an official order or directive in German legal and administrative contexts that mandates a recount of votes or a re-examination of data. This term is most commonly encountered in electoral law, where it is issued by a competent authority, typically an election board or a court, if there are significant doubts or confirmed irregularities concerning the accuracy of the initial vote count. Such an order aims to ensure the integrity and legitimacy of the electoral process.

The grounds for issuing a Nachzählungsanordnung can vary but often include allegations of procedural errors, suspected manipulation, a very narrow margin between candidates, or a formal complaint filed by a political party or candidate. The Nachzählungsanordnung specifies the scope of the recount, which ballots or data sets are to be re-examined, and the procedure to be followed. It usually involves opening ballot boxes, verifying individual votes, and re-tallying the results under supervision. The outcome of the Nachzählungsanordnung can lead to a correction of the official results if discrepancies are found. This mechanism serves as a crucial safeguard against potential errors and fraud in democratic elections.