World | Pakistan
Poll faulted for lack of level playing field
A European Union mission that monitored the February parliamentary elections in Pakistan has said in its final report that a level playing field was not provided during the electoral campaign.
- By Shahid Hussain, Correspondent
- Published: 00:15 April 17, 2008
Islamabad: A European Union mission that monitored the February parliamentary elections in Pakistan has said in its final report that a level playing field was not provided during the electoral campaign.
In the report released here yesterday the mission said there was abuse of state resources and bias in state media in favour of the former ruling parties.
It said there were serious problems with the framework and conditions in which the elections were held.
"As a result, the overall process fell short of a number of international standards for genuine democratic elections," the mission said.
There was also a lack of transparency in the performance of the election administration and the results process, it noted.
The elections took place in a difficult security environment in which the threat of violence and an atmosphere of fear prevailed.
Due to attacks on political party gatherings, over 100 party supporters were killed during the campaign. In addition, over 50 people were reportedly killed in clashes between supporters during this period.
"Tragically, on 27 December 2007, Benazir Bhutto, leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party was assassinated at a campaign rally, leading to widespread anger, violence and rioting around the country," the mission observed.
Electoral reforms
In this context, the election process, particularly on the day of voting, saw courageous commitment to the democratic process by voters, candidates and party workers, election staff, representatives of media and civil society, and state personnel, the report observed.
"If the problems are not addressed, there is a serious risk of electoral problems in the future," said Chief Observer and member of the EU Parliament Michael Gahler, while releasing the report.
He called upon Pakistani authorities, political parties and civil society to swiftly undertake electoral reforms.
The mission leader however noted that the polls were competitive and the results were accepted.
But, he said there were enduring problems with the framework and conditions for election in the country.
The report contains over 80 recommendations to improve future elections such as an independent judiciary for effective oversight of the election process. The mission said that election legislation should be reviewed in a consultative manner.
Specific issues to be addressed include the independence and transparency of the election administration, complaints and appeals procedures, and overly-restrictive candidacy requirements.
The appointment of the chief election commissioner and members of the election commission should be subject to stake holder consultation and should provide for independence, it said. The mission said the election commission should be restructured.
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