Following the release of a preliminary observation report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), which revealed notable inconsistencies and difficulties encountered throughout the voting process, the transparency of the most recent elections in Pakistan has come under criticism.
The study states that although polling place transparency was mostly unaltered, questions were voiced regarding the returning officers’ (ROs’) offices’ procedural integrity. According to the study, 1.6 million ballots were returned unopened across the country, and 25 seats had more ballots returned unopened than those who won.
One of the main concerns raised in the study was the limited access observers had to RO offices; according to reports, 130 observers were turned away. The investigation also showed that copies of Form 45, which records the election results, were not given to observers in 28% of polling places.
The group also said that over 50 million people in the nation used their right to vote on February 8. Political groups took part in thethe election despite chaos, terrorism and not getting a level playing field.
The chairman of the FAFEN, Mussarat Qadeem, praised the efforts made to hold elections despite obstacles like terrorism and turmoil that persisted for two years, but she also stressed the need of openness and fair chances for all political parties. On the other hand, delays in the election process have been criticised for making the process less transparent overall and casting doubt on the accuracy of the results.
Additionally, she said that 29% of the polling places did not provide observers with a copy of Form 45.
These worries were expressed by FAFEN coordinator Rashid Chaudhry, who pointed out that observers in 29% of voting places did not get Form 45, and that in 130 constituencies, observers were not allowed entry to RO offices.
The national voter turnout was reported to be 48%, per the FAFEN report. The network emphasised the need of maintaining openness and credibility in the electoral process and urged for the Election Commission of Pakistan to immediately resolve the complaints of political parties and candidates over the election results in light of the concerns expressed.
The results of the FAFEN research highlight the necessity of extensive reforms to improve the integrity and transparency of next elections in Pakistan as stakeholders wait for more developments.
