"IIRC anyone is allowed to watch the procedings."
I can't claim to know the rules on counts - I've only ever assisted at one. I don't think that you can simply 'wander into a counting station' without the permission of the Returning Officer - for a start, there are practical considerations of space to consider. The rules for counts are laid out in part E of this document.
www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/electoral-administrator/local-elections-in-england-and-wales
It's easy just to go along to the polling station and vote but until I actually took part in the process, I had no idea of its full complexity. Polling station staff are issued with a handbook and undergo a session of training before every election; rules are gradually adjusted to take into account every possible situation where difficulties could arise.
I am glad to work in a rather civilised rural polling station, but those assisting in some of the inner city areas have real problems to deal with e.g. when a load of students roll up at 21.50 from the pub and the police become involved or immigrants who can't speak English insist on voting on behalf of their old mother who can't get down to the polling station etc etc.
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