Islamabad ( Rasheed Ahmed )
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Pakistan has concluded that positive changes to the legal framework were vershadowed by restrictions on freedom of expression and an unequal opportunity to campaign. Media outlets and journalists suffered from restrictions which, the mission stated, have resulted in self-censorship. Positively, the EU EOM praised the work of the Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over the last few years. It complimented the ECP on the many initiatives that it had taken to improve accountability and transparency, including the participation of women and minorities. The mission said that levels of confidence in the ECP had undoubtedly increased due to regular consultations with political parties and civil society organizations . Presenting the mission’s preliminary statement in a press conference in Islamabad, the EU Chief Observer, Michael Gahler MEP (Germany), said: “Despite positive changes to the legal framework with
the new Elections Act, and a stronger and more transparent Election Commission, we consider that the electoral process of 2018 was negatively affected by the political environment.” On 25 July, over 120 EU observers observed the opening, voting, counting and tabulation processes at 582 polling stations and tabulation centers in 113 constituencies in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakthunkhwa and Islamabad. Voting was assessed as well-conducted and transparent. However, counting was somewhat problematic, with staff not always following procedures. In the polling stations observed, security personnel were present inside and outside all polling stations. However, as should be the case in a civilian exercise, the mission
observed that it was the presiding officers who were in charge. The EU EOM commented that, although there were several legal provisions aimed at ensuring a level playing field, there was a lack of equality of opportunity. Candidates with large political appeal and financial means, the so-called “electable” were reported to often dominate the campaign. Uneven rules on campaign spending further undermined candidates’ equal opportunity. The head of the European Parliament’s delegation to the election observation mission, Jean Lambert MEP (United Kingdom), fully endorsed the preliminary statement of
the EU EOM. She then addressed a number of issues relating to election day, including access to polling stations for voters with sabilities, and the participation of women in the elections. “We appreciate the efforts made by the Election Commission to aim for greater inclusion in the electoral process, particularly through the Gender and isabilities Working Group,” said Ms Lambert. “We look forward to further progress. After all, the five per cent quota for women candidates is just a starting point, and more in winnable seats would be welcome.” Unlike previous election observation missions to Pakistan, the EU EOM faced unprecedented delay in the deployment of its observers. According to Mr Gahler, this had repercussions on the mission’s ability to observe and thoroughly assess some areas of the electoral process, including the candidate
