ISLAMABAD: Although the February 2008 general elections in Pakistan were competitive and the results were accepted but there were enduring problems with the framework and conditions for election in the country, European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-IOM) said in its report issued on Wednesday.

Launching the report at a news conference here, Chief Observer and member of the European Parliament Michael Gahler said National and Provincial Assembly Elections saw a pluralistic process in which a broad range of views were expressed and polling process achieved increased public confidence in comparison to previous elections.

“A more significant role was played in these elections by the media and civil society, including by providing greater scrutiny of the process,” he said.

However, the report said, there were serious problems with the framework and conditions in which the elections were held and a level playing field was not provided during the campaign, primarily as a result of abuse of state resources and bias in the state media in favour of the former ruling parties.

“As a result, the overall process fell short of a number ofinternational standards for genuine democratic elections,” it added.

There was also a lack of transparency in the performance of the election administration and the results process. The elections took place in a difficult security environment in which the threat of violence and an atmosphere of fear prevailed.

As a result of 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 (PPP) was assassinated at a campaign rally, leading to widespread anger, violence and rioting around the country,” the IOM observed.

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.

“If the underlined problems are not addressed, there is a serious risk of electoral problems in the future. I therefore call on the Pakistani authorities, political parties and civil society to swiftly undertake electoral reform,” Mr Gahler said.

In addition to the findings of the EOM, the final report contains over 80 recommendations to improve future elections.

It recommended that steps should be taken to ensure “there is an independent judiciary in which there is stakeholder confidence, so that effective oversight of the election process can be undertaken.”

The IOM also 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 ECP members should be subject to stakeholder consolation and should provide for independence.

“The ECP should be restructured, should operate transparently and consultatively, and should take full responsibility for its mandated tasks,” it said, adding,” election appeals to courts and tribunals should be dealt with in a timely manner by judges who are independently appointed.”

All polling station results should be swiftly displayed at the constituency and on the internet and ECP should produce and accurate and complete electoral roll.

If only computerized national identity cards (CNICs) are permissible for registration and voting, acquisition of a CNIC should be facilitated so that there is no barrier to participation, it recommended.

Reform of the legal framework regulating media activities should be undertaken and should include reduced restrictions and clear-cut definitions while official media should ensure impartiality in its news and public affairs broadcasts during an election campaign.

“Efforts should be made to reduce women’s severe under-representation in the electoral process,” the report said.

courtesy: geo

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