The seat had fallen vacant following the death of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians’ (PPPP) lawmaker Sardar Ahmad Ali Khan Pitafi in January 2018. PPPP had fielded Abdul Bari Pitafi, the son of the deceased lawmaker, for the by-election. Pitafi’s main rival in the by-election was Pakistan Muslim League – Functional’s (PML-F) candidate Mian Abdul Malik. Five Independent candidates were also in the run from the constituency that covers the areas of Daharki and Mirpur Mathelo. No women candidates were nominated for the by-election. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had declared a total of ten candidates as “validly nominated’ under the Elections Act, 2017; however, three candidates withdrew their nomination papers leaving the race open to seven candidates.

The by-election remained peaceful with relatively low voter turnout in comparison to the General Election (GE) 2013. According to FAFEN estimates based on observation of 98 polling stations in PS-7, the turnout remained between 41.6 and 43 percent in the by-election; of which 36% were women and 47% were men. The turnout in GE 2013 was 58.2%.

FAFEN observers reported a total of 192 violations of election laws, rules and regulations on polling day. One-third of these violations (64) pertained to the availability of critical election materials including ballot papers, Result of the Count (Form-45) and Ballot Paper Account (Form-46). Moreover, the observers reported 42 violations concerning polling station security, including the deployment of untrained security staff. The observers also witnessed 32 irregularities related to campaigning and canvassing, 16 to the training of election staff, 10 to breach of secrecy and 22 to other polling day processes.

The ECP did not effectively enforce particular provisions in the Elections Act, 2017 that should ensure efficient flow of polling processes, prompt collection of election results and maximize electoral transparency. As many as 13 Presiding Officers did not receive training on using Result Transmission System (RTS) while 15 polling stations lacked adequate number of various forms and packets used to prepare and dispatch election results. Furthermore, the ECP did not upload various election-related documents including the List of Proposed Polling Stations (Form-28), the Final List of Polling Stations, the List of Validly Nominated Candidates (Form-32), and the List of Contesting Candidates (Form-33) on its website.

As many as five ECP-accredited FAFEN observers were barred by Presiding Officers and security officials from observing the voting process. Similarly, one observer was stopped from observing the counting process.

FAFEN deployed 30 trained and non-partisan observers including 19 men and 11 women to observe the by-election. Sardar Ahmed Ali Pitafi, who died of cancer, successively won this seat during GE 2008 and retained it in GE 2013; bagging 41.1% and 43.1% of the polled votes in each election respectively. The turnout in the constituency was recorded at 58.82% in 2013 and 51.82% in 2008. He had lost the seat to Nadir Ahmad Khan Laghari of the National Alliance in GE 2002.

FAFEN observed the voting process at 98 polling stations and counting at 29 polling stations.  The observers also collected Form-45 (Result of the Count) and Form-46 (Ballot Paper Account). FAFEN employs a standardized checklist for observing a comprehensive set of polling-day activities, including the opening and closing of polling stations, security arrangements, campaigning and canvassing around and inside polling stations, ballot processing, facilitation to the disabled and elderly voters, counting, and result consolidation processes. Trained non-partisan observers were deployed in PS-7 who spent a period ranging from 45 minutes to 60 minutes at each polling station to record their observation on the checklists. The observation also included interviews of Presiding Officers regarding election arrangements.

Presence of Election Staff and Availability of Critical Election Materials: According to FAFEN observers, some polling stations lacked adequate quantities of essential election materials. Moreover, at one polling station, the number of Assistant Presiding Officers (APO) was less than the number of total booths. In order to ensure efficient voting processes according to election laws and bye-laws, an APO and a Polling Officer must be present at each polling booth in a polling station. In addition to this, polling staff were not present at two polling stations at the official start time of polling, i.e. 8:00am. Four polling stations lacked sufficient numbers of Form-45 (Result of the Count), i.e. fewer forms than the number of candidates. Similarly, five polling stations did not have sufficient quantity of Form-46 (Ballot Paper Account). Similarly, 49 polling stations had fewer ballot papers than registered voters. Under the Elections Rules, 2017, the ECP has introduced separate packets numbered from one to 19 to pack and seal election-related materials at the end of polling. However, six Presiding Officers reported to have received fewer packets than required. Yet, the ECP ensured that all polling booths had transparent ballot boxes, secrecy screens, electoral rolls, official ECP stamps, ink pads, indelible ink and other required stationery.

Campaigning and Canvassing on Election-Day: Notwithstanding clear legal requirements, campaigning and canvassing around the limit of 400 yards and inside polling stations was observed at 30 out of the 98 observed polling stations. According to FAFEN observers, party workers had established camps near nine polling stations, where they were also canvassing for their respective candidates. In another incident, workers of contesting candidates were seen transporting their voters outside 10 polling stations. At six polling stations, the election officials did not ensure removal of party posters, banners and flags, which were displayed on the walls of polling station buildings. The candidates’ promotional material was observed inside two polling stations as well. The provision of “voter parchis” bearing the credential of voters as well as the party symbols also could not be completely controlled during the by-election. Such reports were received from three observed polling stations.

Unauthorized Personnel inside Stations: FAFEN observers reported the presence of influential persons at two polling stations who were seen trying to persuade voters to support their party or candidate. Moreover, the observers witnessed the presence of government officials inside two polling stations and other unauthorized persons inside three polling stations.

Security Arrangements: The ECP had sought assistance from the Pakistan Army to ensure fool-proof security inside and outside polling stations on Election-Day. According to a notification issued by the ECP, the designated Army officials were given First Class Magisterial powers in case of personation of a voter, capturing of polling stations, illegal canvassing or illegal practices related to the polling process. The ECP had declared 130 polling stations as sensitive.

According to FAFEN observers, security officials were present outside 97 and inside 91 of the 98 observed polling stations. The observers reported the presence of armed persons at three party camps set up within 400 meters of the polling stations. While security officials were required to check the NICs of voters before allowing them to enter polling stations, voters’ identities were not inspected at the entry points of two polling stations. This may be due to lack of training as security officials at 37 polling stations told FAFEN observers that they did not receive any training. Only five of the 192 booths observed had security cameras installed. As many as 10 of 98 presiding officers interviewed during Election-Day said they had to use their magisterial powers to keep the voting process smooth and peaceful.

Voter Identification and Ballot Processing at Polling Stations: Through its trainings, the ECP significantly improved the processing of voters at polling stations – from identification of voter to the issuance of ballot paper.  However, further improvement is needed to ensure complete enforcement of these critical processes. At six polling booths, polling officers were either calling out the names of voters in a low voice or not calling them out at all before crossing out their names on the electoral rolls. At two booths, Polling Officers did not cross out voters’ names on the electoral roll. At one polling booth, an APO did not mention the voter’s gender on the counterfoil while at another, an officer was not taking voters’ thumb impressions on counterfoils.

Breach of Secrecy: The protection of the right of voters to secrecy has also been significantly improved as compared to GE 2013. FAFEN observers reported from only one polling station that voters were accompanied by unauthorized persons behind secrecy screens in full view of election officials. Moreover, the polling staff and the polling agents were observed stamping the ballot papers on behalf of the voters at four and one polling stations, respectively.

Voter Registration: A total of 179,843 voters were registered to vote in the by-election – 102,676 men and 77,167 women. The constituency has witnessed an increase of 18,966 voters since GE 2013, when 160,877 total voters were registered, including 90,178 men and 70,699 women. Despite an increase of women voters by nine percent, a gender-gap of 14.2% remained in voter registration, indicating that a total of 25,509 women were not registered for they by-election.

List of Polling Stations: The District Returning Officer (DRO) issued the List of Polling Stations 17 days prior to the polling day, i.e. February 16, 2018. According to Section 59(6) of the Elections Act, 2017, the DRO is required to issue the List of Polling Stations at least 30 days prior to the polling day. According to this list, as many 164 polling stations – 35 for women, 35 for men and 94 combined – were established for the by-election. These polling stations comprised a total of 515 polling booths – 280 for men and 235 for women.

A total of 18 additional polling stations (in comparison of GE 2013) were set up to cater to an increase of 18,966 voters. Although Section 59 (3) of the Elections Act, 2017 requires the polling stations and booths, as far as practicable, to not have more than 1,200 and 300 voters allocated respectively, as many as 38 polling stations were allocated to more than 1,200 voters. Similarly, on average, over 300 voters were allocated at the polling booths of 143 polling stations. The highest number of voters assigned to a polling station was 1,675 at PS # 7 Government Primary School, Azmat Pitaf.

Training of Election Staff:

FAFEN observers conducted interviews with Presiding Officers to know about the availability of election materials as well as any difficulties faced by them in performing their duties. As many as three Presiding Officers had not received any training from the ECP prior to the polling day while 13 Presiding Officers reported not receiving training on the Result Transmission System (RTS), a mobile application used to promptly collect polling results.

Electoral Transparency: According to the Elections Act, 2017, the ECP is required to upload the following on its official website: Election Programme, the List of Proposed Polling Stations (Form-28), the Final List of Polling Stations, the List of Validly Nominated Candidates (Form-32), the List of Contesting Candidates (Form-33), the Public Notice for the date and hour of the Poll, the Notice of Withdrawal of a Candidate from the election, and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, Contesting Candidates, Election Agents and Polling Agents. Of these, only the Election Programme, Notice of the date and hour of the poll; and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Contesting Candidates were available on the ECP website on March 3, 2018.

Suspicious Voting Patterns:

Suspicious voting patterns were observed at 19 polling booths of 15 polling stations. In these polling booths, the average rate of voting was higher than 45 votes per hour at the time the turnout data was documented. The highest voting rate was recorded as an average of 97 votes per hour at a polling booth in a polling station set up in Dino Mako area.

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On average, 2.7 violations of electoral laws, rules and codes of conduct per polling station were reported. The observers witnessed 99 violations of campaigning and canvassing rules inside and around polling stations on polling day. As many as 90 violations related to the availability of critical materials including the ballot books, counting forms and sealing packets for election materials. Moreover, observers recorded 77 violations regarding voters’ identification process, 26 regarding breach of voters’ secrecy, 21 regarding polling station security and 11 relating to other polling processes. The security officials barred as many as 12 accredited FAFEN observers from observing the voting or counting processes.

FAFEN observed the pre-election process and polling day through 50 trained and non-partisan observers. Observers spent between 30 and 60 minutes in each polling station to document their observations and findings on a standardized checklist that is based on the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017, the Elections Rules, 2017 and instructional handbooks that the ECP has provided to election officials. This preliminary report is based on the observation findings from 122 (36%) of 338 polling stations established for the by-election in NA-154.

FAFEN recorded suspicious voting patterns at 21 polling booths in 19 polling stations. In these polling booths, the reported votes were higher than 45 per hour at the time the turnout data was documented. In following the voting procedure as prescribed by the law, polling staff can process a maximum of 45 votes at one polling booth in one hour. The highest average voting rate was recorded at 93 votes per hour at a polling booth in one polling station.

FAFEN observers reported that the number of copies of the Result of the Count (Form 45) was less than the number of candidates at two polling stations. Similarly, the number of copies of the Ballot Paper Account (Form 46) did not match the number of candidates at five polling stations. The ballot papers issued by the Returning Officer were less in number than the total registered voters at 79 polling stations. Moreover, four Presiding Officers reported that they did not receive the packets to be used for sealing election materials at the close of the poll.

FAFEN observers reported that the Polling Officers were not calling out the names of voters loudly during the voter identification process at 74 of 240 polling booths observed during the day. Not calling out the names of voters creates difficulties for polling agents to challenge the identity of the voters. Moreover, polling staff did not cross out the names of identified voters from the electoral roll at three polling booths where polling agents were also unable to effectively monitor the voting process.

FAFEN observers reported from 28 polling stations that the workers of several political parties had set up camps within 400 meters of the polling stations in violation of the electoral rules. Voters were seen carrying vote vouchers (parchis) with visible symbols of the contesting parties or candidates inside 16 polling booths. Similarly, in nine instances, election officials did not remove campaign materials inside and outside polling stations as required by the law. Moreover, party or candidate supporters were observed providing transport to voters outside 46 polling stations.

According to FAFEN estimates, the overall turnout of voters in this by-election is expected to be approximately 45.4 percent – 47.4 percent for men and 42.7 percent for women. The observers reported increasing number of voters turning out to cast their vote in the afternoon. However, amidst the strict security, only a couple of voters were being allowed to enter a polling station at a time while the rest were made to wait in queues outside the polling stations. The observers reported the congested arrangement of polling stations at a number of places. As many as three polling stations comprising 11 polling booths were set up in a primary school building at Basti Risala with a total of 4,178 voters assigned.

The ECP did not use the Biometric Verification Machines (BVMs) or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at any of the polling station in the constituency.

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The seat had fallen vacant after the disqualification of PTI’s member Jahangir Khan Tareen by the Supreme Court on December 15, 2017. Earlier in 2015, Mr. Tareen had won NA-154 seat during a by-elections securing 55.3 percent of the polled votes against Muhammad Siddique Khan Baloch who secured 39.8 percent votes. In 2008 General Elections (GE), Baloch had won this seat on a Pakistan Muslim League (PML) ticket, while during 2013 GE as an independent candidate. He had been runner-up in this constituency during GE-2013.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has fielded Ali Khan Tareen for this by-election scheduled to be held tomorrow, while Pakistan Muslin League – Nawaz (PML-N) has given ticket to Muhammad Iqbal Shah. Muhammad Siddique Khan Baloch is not contesting this by-election. FAFEN deployed trained constituency-based observers to observe the pre-election campaign and local political environment using a standardized methodology based on the Elections Act, 2017 and Elections Rules, 2017.

FAFEN witnessed PML-N’s and PTI’s National and Punjab Assemblies Members actively campaigning for their respective contesting candidates. Moreover, despite the prohibition on the use of hoardings and loudspeakers under the Elections Act, 2017, PML-N’s, PTI’s, Pakistan Peoples’ Party’s (PPP) and independent candidates continued to use them for campaigning in the constituency. FAFEN observers also received reports of PML-N leaders promising jobs to voters in return of their assurance to vote for PML-N’s candidate. Recently, the government has also inaugurated the Speedo Bus Service between Lodhran and Bahawalpur. On the other hand, PTI’s leader Jahangir Khan Tareen arranged free medical camps for general public in NA-154.

The constituency witnessed a largely-peaceful campaign. Campaigns by the PTI’s, PML-N’s and Tehreek-e-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah’s (TLP) supported independent candidates overshadowed others. The PML-N and PTI held a series of corner meetings in various areas of the constituency. Use of oversized banners and religious appeals by contesting candidates remained a norm throughout the campaign period.

FAFEN also observed violation of Elections Act, 2017’s provision regarding “exclusive bank accounts for election expenses”. Moreover, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued Code of Conduct for Contesting Candidates and Political Parties required each candidate to submit [to the District Returning Officer (DRO)] on every Thursday of the campaign period a statement of election expenses made during the preceding week. However, during the interviews with contesting candidates, a majority of them were either not aware of this provision or did not submit the expense statements.

Election-related documents including List of Proposed Polling Stations (Form-28), Final List of Polling Stations, List of Validly Nominated Candidates (Form-32), and List of Contesting Candidates (Form-33) were also not uploaded on ECP’s website.

FAFEN will deploy 50 trained observers including 19 women and 31 men to observe 338 polling stations on Election-Day. Using detailed standardized checklists, FAFEN observers will observe the voting, counting and consolidation of results processes. In addition to polling station observation, these observers will also collect Form 45 (Result of the Count) and Form 46 (Ballot Paper Account).

Election Campaign

The ECP’s Code of Conduct bars the President, Prime Minister, Chairman/Deputy Chairman Senate, Speakers of Assemblies, Federal Ministers, Ministers of State, Governor, Chief Ministers, Provincial Ministers, sitting Members of the National and Provincial Assemblies and any other public office holders from participating in an election campaign. On the contrary, National and Provincial Assemblies’ PTI and PML-N Members were witnessed campaigning for their party’s fielded candidates.

FAFEN observers witnessed participation of Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju in the election campaign of PML-N’s candidate. While, PTI’s Chairman Imran Khan was also attended a public meeting held in support of PTI’s contesting candidate. TLP-supported candidate used religious appeals in his election campaign.

The Elections Act, 2017 prohibits the use of hoardings, panaflexes and loudspeakers during the election campaign. However, FAFEN observers reported the use of oversized banners and posters displayed by PTI’s, PML-N’s and TLP’s candidates.

FAFEN interviewed PTI’s Campaign Coordinator Mian Sajid Inam Toor, PPPP’s candidate Mirza Muhammad Ali Baig, TLP-supported candidate Malik Azhar Ahmad Sandila and an independent candidate Nafees Ahmad Murad.

PPPP’s candidate complained that his opponents had removed his banners put on display in some areas of the constituency. PTI’s Campaign Coordinator alleged PML-N workers of harassing PTI’s women workers in UC 336 during the election campaign. He said the police was not registering a First Information Report (FIR) despite an application by the victims. He also accused the District Administration of supporting PML-N’s candidate saying that the “police had been providing additional security to the Minister of State during the campaign period despite clear directions issued by the DRO against their action”.

According to Section 79(3) of the Elections Act, 2017, the District Election Commissioner (DEC) shall “provide candidate or his/her election agent a copy of the electoral rolls with photographs of the voters in print and electronic (temper-proof) formats”. The interviewed candidates revealed they were provided the electoral rolls without the photographs of the voters. Similarly, with the exception of PTI’s candidate, none of the contesting candidates complied with Section 133(1) of the Elections Act, 2017 regarding exclusive bank accounts for maintaining the election expenses. FAFEN observers also witnessed violation of Section 180(2) (b) requiring that “no person or political party shall print or publish any poster, handbill or pamphlet which does not bear on its face the names and addresses of the printer and the publisher”. However, it was observed that none of the election posters of contesting candidates comprised the names of printers or publishers.

FAFEN also received reports of candidates hiring private vehicles to provide the transport services to the voters on election-day, which is also prohibited under the ECP’s Code of Conduct for Contesting Candidates and Political Parties.

Demographics of NA-154 Lodhran-I

The constituency spans over three tehsils with a total of 431,002 registered as voters including 236,496 (55%) men and 194,506 (45%) women. As many as 60,852 new voters have been added to the electoral rolls after the GE-2013, marking a 16-percent increase. The number of women voters increased by 18 percent, while men voters by 15 percent.

Election Administration

The Election Commission has set up 338 polling stations for by-election in NA-154 Lodhran-I. A total of 49 polling stations each are categorized as Male Polling Stations and Female Polling Stations, while another 240 polling stations as Combined Polling Stations. Overall, a total of 1,043 polling booths – 566 for men and 477 for women – will be set up. During the 2013 GE, a total of 303 polling stations had been set up in this constituency.

For the by-election 2018, the DEC provided a list of 303 polling stations to the ROs who issued a preliminary list of 329 polling stations adding up 26 polling stations. After hearing the objections and proposals on these polling stations, the DRO issued a final list of 338 polling stations on January 24, 2018 — 20 days prior to the polling day. According Section 59(6) of the Elections Act, 2017, the DRO has to issue the Final List of Polling Stations at least 30 days prior to the polling day. The List of Polling Stations does not indicate the number of voters assigned to the polling booths.

The final List of Polling Stations along with the Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping of their designated locations in NA-154 Lodhran-I have also been uploaded on ECP’s website. However, this is an incomplete list, and does not contain the GIS coordinates of at least 46 polling stations, which are included in the list published in the gazette. The GIS coordinates can be accessed at: (https://ecp.gov.pk/frmPSGE.aspx?ProvCode=11&ConstCode=154&ElectionType=NA).

According to Section 59(3) of the Elections Act 2017, the election administration will not assign more than 1,200 voters to a polling station and not more than 300 voters to a polling booth, while reasons for any deviation will be justified in writing. However, more than 1,200 voters have been assigned to as many as 194 polling stations in the List of Polling Stations issued by the DRO. The maximum number of voters assigned to a polling station is 1,976. On average, 1,274 voters have been assigned to each polling station.

Moreover, in accordance with the Elections Act, 2017, the ECP has to upload on its website the Election Programme, the List of Proposed Polling Stations (Form-28); the Final List of Polling Stations, the List of Validly Nominated Candidates (Form-32); the List of Contesting Candidates (Form-33); the Public Notice for the date and hour of the Polls; the Notice of Withdrawal of a Candidate from the election; and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, Contesting Candidates, election agents and polling agents. Of these documents, the Election Programme and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Contesting Candidates were available till February 11, 2018, while the others remained pending.

Contesting Candidates

According to Form-31 (Notice in Respect of Nominated Candidates), a total of 16 nomination papers were filed for 14 candidates. The RO declared 15 nominations as valid, while one of was rejected. As many as two candidates withdrew their nominations before the issuance of the final list of the candidates.

A total of seven candidates are contesting this by-election as Independents, while the remaining three are contesting on PTI’s, PML-N’s and PPP’s tickets. PML-N has awarded its ticket to Muhammad Iqbal Shah, while PTI to Ali Khan Tareen and PPP to Mirza Muhammad Ali Baig. TLP is supporting an independent candidate Malik Azhar Ahmad Sandila, whose application for the award of election symbol of TLP was declined by ECP on the grounds that the party had been issued a show-cause notice for not complying with the requirements of the Elections Act, 2017.

Election History

The constituents of NA-154 Lodhran-I had been electing the candidates belonging to various political parties since 2002. The winners of general elections 2002 and 2008 Nawab Aman Ullah and Muhamamd Siddiq Khan Baloch belonged to PML while the runner-up in both elections was Mirza Muhamamd Nasir Baig of PPP. Jahangir Khan Tareen entered the constituency politics during GE-2013, and was runner-up against Baloch who contested this election as an independent candidate but later joined PML-N. However, the results were reversed in a by-election 2015, which was held after Baloch’s disqualification by the Election Tribunal on the grounds of submitting fake educational degrees. Tareen served as a Member of National Assembly from this constituency for two years till December 15, 2017. He was recently disqualified by the Supreme Court from holding public office. Previously, he was elected to the National Assembly twice from NA-195 Rahim Yar Khan-IV during 2002 and 2008 General Elections.

Security Arrangements

The ECP has declared six polling stations as highly sensitive while 42 as sensitive. The authorities have also been directed to install security cameras inside these polling stations. Moreover, the ECP has sought help from the Pakistan Army to ensure the polling day security. The Army personnel will be stationed inside and outside polling stations on election-day. According to a notification issued by ECP, the army officials will exercise powers under Sections 4 and 5 of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 and will also have First Class Magisterial powers in case of personation of a voter, capturing of polling stations, illegal canvassing or illegal practices related to polling process. The Army personnel are deployed on each polling station from February 10, 2018 to February 13, 2018. The personnel will report any irregularity or malpractice to the Presiding Officer of the concerned polling station and if he/she fails to prevent the commission of reported irregularity, the security staff will bring the matter into the notice of the Pakistan Army officers deployed in the area.

FAFEN’s Election-Day Observation

FAFEN will deploy 50 trained observers including 19 women and 31 men to cover the entire constituency comprising of 338 polling stations. Using detailed standardized checklists, FAFEN observers will observe the voting, counting and consolidation of results processes. In addition to polling station observation, these observers will also collect Form 45 (Result of the Count) and Form 46 (Ballot Paper Account).

The observation of NA-154 Lodhran-I will be carried out by Farmers Development Organziation, a FAFEN partner organization with its secretariat in Multan, Punjab.

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This was the first by-election held under the Elections Act, 2017 which came into force in October, 2017. The new law has considerably enhanced the authority of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over all aspects of electoral process in an effort to improve the quality of elections. Under this law, the ECP has the powers to penalize officials on election duty, who have not performed their assigned responsibilities.

Despite improved election arrangements, the incidents of illegal campaigning and canvassing on the polling day were reported from one-fourth of the observed polling stations. Moreover, critical election materials including ballot books, the Result of the Count (Form-45), the Ballot Paper Account (Form-46) and necessary legal packets were also unavailable at around 42 polling stations. FAFEN observers were duly accredited by the ECP; however, at eight polling stations, the observers were barred from observing voting and counting processes.

More significantly, a majority of polling stations were not setup in line with the provisions of Section 59 of the Elections Act, 2017, which requires, as far as practicable, assignment of not more than 1,200 voters at a polling station and 300 per polling booth. In case of PP-20, as many as 116 polling stations were assigned more than 1,200 voters. On average, 1,231 voters have been assigned to each polling station while 343 to each polling booth.

FAFEN conducted the observation of the pre-election process and polling day through 46 trained and non-partisan observers. Observers spent between 60 and 120 minutes in each polling station to document their observations and findings on a standardized checklist that is based on the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017, the Elections Rules, 2017 and instructional handbooks that the ECP has provided to election officials. This preliminary report is based on the observation findings from 118 polling stations.

On average, almost two violations of electoral laws, rules and codes of conduct per polling station were reported. This average is almost half of the number of violations recorded in the last by-election held in NA-4 Peshawar during October, 2017. The highest number of reported violations (74) pertained to illegal campaigning and canvassing. Parties’ camps were witnessed outside 29 polling stations within the prescribed 400 meters boundary for campaigning and canvassing while transport was being provided by candidates and parties around 28 polling stations. FAFEN observers reported voter slips with party symbols printed being produced before polling officers at 10 polling booths. The observers also witnessed the parties’ or candidates’ promotional material displayed on the walls of five polling stations, while an observer also reported the presence of candidates’ promotional material inside a polling station. The political workers were also seen attempting to influence the voters at one polling station.

At 42 polling stations, FAFEN observers reported that less number of ballot books were available with election staff than the number of registered voters. Moreover, at seven polling stations, FAFEN observed that less number of Ballot Paper Account (Form-46) were available than the number of contesting candidates. As many as five Presiding Officers did not carry the required Packet-I to Packet-XV for carrying the election forms including the Ballot Paper Account and Result of the Count.

FAFEN observed 42 violations relating to polling stations’ security. Observers witnessed the presence of armed persons inside six polling stations, while voters at four polling stations were given the permission to enter the premises without the security check by officials. Moreover, the security officials outside 32 polling stations told FAFEN observers that they did not receive any training on election security.

The polling officials were observed deviating from the provisions of the law regarding calling out loud the name of every voter before issuing him/her a ballot paper and crossing his/her name from the voters’ lists at 42 polling booths. At one polling booth the polling officer was observed not crossing the name of the voters on the electoral rolls who were receiving the ballot papers.

The observers also witnessed presence of unauthorized men at two female polling booths. Moreover, unauthorized presence was also reported from two polling stations before the start of the polling process. As many as eight accredited FAFEN observers were barred from observation of polling and counting processes in the constituency.

According to FAFEN estimates, the overall voter turnout is expected to remain at 32% with women turnout estimated at 28.8% and men at 35.2%. The overall turnout during 2013 General Elections was recorded at 63.3%. FAFEN observers reported suspicious voting patterns at three polling booths. In these polling booths, the reported votes were higher than 45 per hour at the time the turnout data was documented. In following the voting procedure as prescribed by the law, polling staff at one polling booth can only process up to 45 votes at one booth in an hour.

The ECP conducted a pilot-test of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at nine polling stations. FAFEN observed that these EVMs were placed outside polling booths at two instances, while the machines were run by operators of the EVM provider company instead of the polling staff.

The ECP has introduced the Result Transmission System (RTS) for prompt transmission of the Result of the Count to the ECP and Returning Officers by the Presiding Officers. As many as six Presiding Officers shared with the observers that they had not received the training on RTS. The observers also reported four incidents of voters other than elderly or disabled being accompanied by other persons behind the secrecy screens installed in polling booths. In addition to this, irrelevant persons were also seen stamping the ballot paper at one polling booth.

The seat had fallen vacant after the death of PML-N lawmaker Chaudhry Liaquat Ali Khan. The ECP had set up 227 polling stations including 61 polling stations each for men and women, and 105 combined polling stations. A total of 814 polling booths – 421 for men and 393 for women – were established for the polling day. As many as 1,916 election officials including 227 Presiding Officers (PrOs) and 814 Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs) and Polling Officers (POs) each, and 61 Naib Qasids were appointed to perform election duties. There are 279,530 registered voters, including 144,191 (52%) men and 135,339 (48%) women. An increase of 11.6% has been recorded in the number of registered voters in the constituency after GE 2013.

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According to FAFEN estimates, the overall voter turnout is expected to remain around 30% with women voter turnout estimated at just 13.8% against 41.3% turnout of men. FAFEN’s preliminary report is based on the observation findings from 87 polling stations though the network observed over 90% polling stations by deploying 52 non-partisan and trained observers.

Although election staff efficiently managed the opening, voting and identification processes, illegal campaigning and canvassing by political parties and candidates were observed around 52 (60%) out of 87 polling stations by FAFEN observers.

FAFEN observers reported suspicious voting patterns at 10 polling booths where more than 45 votes per hour were recorded to be processed at the time of observation. Not more than 45 voters per hour per polling booth can be facilitated by polling staff.

FAFEN observers were restricted from observing the voting processes at 10% of observed polling stations despite carrying and prominently displaying ECP’s accreditation, mostly by security staff. FAFEN observers asked security personnel whether they got any training on election security, 27% of them responded in negative. This correlates to the arbitrary interpretation of election law by security officials and warrants for uniform training of security officials on managing election security.

The ECP conducted a pilot-test of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 35 polling stations. FAFEN observed the EVM trial at 26 polling stations and noted that secrecy of voters while using the EVM was not ensured at 25 of these polling stations. The staff of the company that provided these EVMs was observed operating the machines at ten polling stations. Overall, observers reported no technical glitch in mechanized voting as pseudo exercise at observed polling stations.

On an average, four violations of electoral laws, rules and codes of conduct per polling station were reported from each polling station. This average is consistent with the average violations recorded in last by-election in NA-120 in Lahore held in September, 2017.  The highest number of reported violations (229) pertained to illegal campaigning and canvassing. Parties’ camps were witnessed outside 36 polling stations within the proscribed 400 meters boundary for campaigning and canvassing while transport was being provided by candidates and parties around 52 polling stations. FAFEN observers reported voter slips with party symbols printed being produced before polling officers at 116 polling booths. The parties’ or candidates’ promotional material was seen inside 25 polling stations.

The observers also reported 31 cases of Presiding Officers not carrying the required number of critical election materials like Statement of Account and Ballot Paper Account. Moreover, 33 violations relating to polling stations’ security, 16 of voters’ identification and 10 instances of unauthorized presence at polling stations were reported.

The seat had fallen vacant after the death of PTI lawmaker Gulzar Khan. The ECP had set-up 269 polling stations – 147 men, 111 women and 11 combined polling stations. Overall, a total of 837 polling booths – 492 men and 345 women – were set up in the constituency on October 26, 2017. A total of 397,904 including 162,740 women are registered as voters in this constituency. FAFEN conducted the observation of the pre-election process and polling day through 52 trained and non-partisan observers. The polling day observation covered 87 (32%) out of 269 polling stations set up in the constituency. Observers spent between 60 and 120 minutes in each polling station to document their observations and findings on a standardized checklist that is based on the provisions of the Representation of the Peoples Act 1976, Conduct of Elections Rules 1977 and instructional handbooks that the ECP has provided to election officials.

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ISLAMABAD October 25, 2017: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) asserted its writ by reverting transfers of government officials and removing illegal visibility materials during the campaign for by-election in NA-4 Peshawar IV.

Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) observers reported largely peaceful yet intense and competitive campaign in the constituency. Campaign in-charge of most of the political parties and candidates, interviewed by FAFEN, expressed satisfaction over the polling arrangements by the ECP. However, candidates belonging to opposition parties accused the district police of favoring the PTI candidate. The PML-N campaign in-charge alleged the use of state resources by the provincial government for PTI candidates. The PPPP campaign in-charge raised objection on the misuse of federal resources for PMLN candidate.

By-election in the constituency will also mark the practical end to Representation of People’s Act (ROPA) 1976 that is replaced by unified Election Act 2017. ROPA is applicable for practical purposes to election in the constituency since election schedule was notified before the enactment of the new law.

Another marked feature of this by-election is ECP’s plans to pilot test electronic voting machines (EVMs) for the first time in Pakistan’s electoral history. A pilot-test of EVMs will conducted during these by-polls.

Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) will deploy 52 trained, unbiased and independent citizens to observe the electoral process including voting, counting and consolidation using detailed standardized checklists. Moreover, the observers will also collect Form XIV (Statements of the Count) and Form XV (Ballot Paper Accounts) from the observed polling stations.

The by-election is being conducted on the seat fallen vacant after the demise of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Member of National Assembly (MNA) Gulzar Khan, who won the seat in GE 2013 by securing 38.8 percent of the polled votes. PML-N’s candidate Nasir Khan Musazai was the runners-up who secured 14.4 percent of the votes polled, while he is also contesting the by-election this time.

NA-4 Peshawar-IV is predominantly a rural constituency and covers the Town 4 of Peshawar district, comprising areas of Chamkani, Badabir, Sharikera, and Matni etc. There are a total of 397,904 registered voters, including 235,164 (59%) male and 162,740 (41%) female voters. An increase of 12.9% registered voters has been recorded in the constituency after GE 2013.  However, there still remains a considerable disparity among the registration of male and female voters. A consistent growth in the voter turnout has been recorded during the preceding three general elections. The turnout remained 29.61% during GE 2002, 31.66% during GE 2008 and 40.37% during GE 2013.

Three political parties – MMA, ANP and PTI – had won the elections since 2002 signaling a shift of voters’ preferences. Both ANP and the religious parties, JI and JUI-F, have received considerable vote share in three previous general elections. The PTI has witnessed a sharp increase in its vote bank from 7% in GE 2002 to 37% in GE 2013. The party did not contest the GE 2008.

Historically, all the previous elections in the constituency remained largely peaceful, except for the occurrence of minor altercations between party workers during campaign activities and processions.

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ISLAMABAD, September 17, 2017: Though Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) managed to control illegal campaigning and canvassing around the majority of polling stations during the by-election in NA-120 Lahore-III, Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) reports that its observers witnessed party camps at one-fourth and provision of transport by candidates around one-third of observed polling stations.

Procedural irregularities in voting, counting processes and a bar on legally accredited observers by security officials were the key highlights of reports from 40 FAFEN observers, who observed election procedures at 113 out of 220 polling stations (51.4%) established for the by-election, which was held in unprecedented security arrangements.

FAFEN observers were barred from entering 11 polling stations (10% of observed stations) by security officials, despite the fact that they had been duly accredited by the ECP. Observers were also restricted from observing the counting processes from another 10 polling stations.

In addition, there was a considerable surge in the incidence of violations of electoral laws, rules and codes of conduct. FAFEN observers recorded, on an average, four violations per polling station as compared to 2.6 violations per polling station recorded in the last by-election held in NA-260 in Balochistan in July 2017.

Parties’ camps were witnessed outside 24 polling stations (21.2% of observed polling stations) within the prescribed 400-meter boundary for campaigning and canvassing, while transport was being provided by candidates and parties around 37 polling stations (32.7%, or about one-third of observed stations). FAFEN observers reported voter chits with party symbols printed being produced before polling officers at 152 polling booths. The highest number of violations reported (40) related to the voter identification process, in which polling officers were not fulfilling the procedural requirement for polling officers to call out loud the name of each voter so that polling agents can hear and raise objections, if any.

Although the secrecy screen was installed at each of the 113 polling booths observed, FAFEN observers reported 11 instances of breach of voters’ secrecy. This reporting indicates that either security or polling officials or other voters went behind the secrecy screens unlawfully. FAFEN observers reported from 129 polling booths the lack of availability of critical materials, including Form XIV (Statement of Count) and Form XV (Ballot Paper Account).

FAFEN observers reported from 16 polling stations that voters were allowed to queue of voters after 5:00 pm, and were facilitated to vote by the election officials.

The NA-120 seat fell vacant after the disqualification of former Prime Minister and PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The ECP set-up 220 polling stations, including 102 male, 99 female and 19 combined polling stations. A total of 573 polling booths – 312 male and 261 female – were set up on September 17, 2017. A total of 321,786 citizens, including 142,144 women, are registered as voters in the constituency. ECP distributed 350,000 ballot papers to polling stations.

FAFEN observed the pre-election process and polling day through 40 trained, non-partisan observers. The polling day observation covered 113 out of 220 polling stations (51.4%) set up in the constituency. Observers spent between 60 and 120 minutes in each polling station to document their observations on a standardized checklist that is based on the provisions of the Representation of the Peoples Act 1976, Conduct of Elections Rules 1977 and instructional handbooks that the ECP has provided to election officials. These laws and rules governed the NA-120 by-election pending implementation of the Unified Election Law, 2017, adopted in August.

During the pre-election phase, the constituency witnessed an intense and competitive campaign by major political parties, including PML-N, PTI, PPPP and other influential independent candidates. Rallies by major political parties continued throughout Election Day, which is a direct violation of the ECP’s code of conduct. FAFEN observers also reported issues in the set-up of polling stations, such that polling agents could not see the polling process. At nine polling stations, FAFEN observers reported that the polling agents were seated outside the polling stations. A plausible reason for this issue could be that these polling stations were set-up in small buildings that did not have adequate space to cater to a large number of polling agents. At certain polling stations, voters also experienced similar issues of congested polling booths.

Earlier, the ECP had sought help from the Pakistan Army to ensure polling day security and instructed that Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras should be installed inside polling stations. Security personnel were stationed inside and outside polling stations. According to a notification issued by ECP, security officials were given the authority to exercise powers under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and could also exercise First Class Magisterial powers in case of impersonation of a voter, capturing of polling stations, illegal canvassing or illegal practices related to the polling process. However, no such cases were reported by FAFEN observers.

To download Urdu Press Release, click here |  To download complete report, click here 

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ISLAMABAD September 15, 2017: Violations of Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) code of conduct by contesting parties, allegations on PML-N of use of state machinery by the opposing candidates and ECP’s continued vigilance in terms of taking notices of complaints remained the key highlights of FAFEN’s observation of competitive and intense campaign period ahead of NA-120 by-election.

Overall, the constituency witnessed a competitive campaign by major parties including PML-N, PTI and PPPP and other influential independent candidates. FAFEN observers have also reported that the PML-N has primarily relied on their elected Local and Provincial Governments’ representatives for campaigning. The observers stated that Dr. Yasmin Rashid of PTI has been conducting door-to-door and corner meetings in various union councils of NA-120 Lahore-III constituency. An independent candidate supported by Milli Muslim League was also observed to be heavily investing in his election campaign.

FAFEN observers reported sporadic instances of electoral violence – mostly brawls and minor clashes between the PML-N’s and PTI’s workers. Almost all the contesting candidates from opposition parties interviewed by FAFEN raised concerns alleging the PML-N candidate with various charges including the use of state resources. The PPPP candidate accused the District Election Commissioner (DEC) of favouring the PML-N. He also raised concerns regarding the security of the constituency mentioning that the Police did not register a First Information Report (FIR) of incidents of intimidation of his party’s workers by PMLN. PTI’s campaign in-charge Andleeb Abbass, also alleged the PML-N for initiating development schemes after the announcement of the election programme for NA-120 Lahore-III.

Other observed violations of code of conduct include the use of oversized campaign banners and hoardings by PML-N, PTI, PPPP, JI and an independent candidate Yaqoob Sheikh. The workers of these parties were also observed to be distributing food among voters.

The seat had fallen vacant after the disqualification by the Supreme Court of the Prime Minister (PM), Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who won this seat in General Elections (GE) 2013 securing 59.8 percent of the polled votes. The PML-N has maintained their stronghold during the past three general elections held on current delimitation. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate, Dr Yasmin Rashid, had made inroads into the constituency during GE-2013 securing 34.1 percent of the polled votes. The following graph shows FAFEN’s party-wise analysis of the vote-share of contesting political parties during the last three general elections.

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The NA-260 by-election registered a marked improvement in terms of greater access of observers to polling stations and the ballot paper processing, indicating at improved training of election and security officials. The seat had fallen vacant due to the death of Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Abdul Rahim Mandokhail on May 20, 2017. Mandokhail had won the General Elections (GE) 2013 on the ticket of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP)

FAFEN deployed 25 trained observers to cover the entire constituency comprising of 407 polling stations. Using detailed standardized checklists, FAFEN observed the voting, counting and consolidation of results processes at 85 polling stations (52 men, 22 women and 11 combined) and 93 polling booths (62 men and 31 women). The ECP had set up 407 polling stations – 168 male, 131 female and 108 combined for the by-election. Overall, 993 polling booths – 571 male and 422 female – were set up in NA-260. The multi-district constituency spanning Chagai, Nushki and parts of Quetta has a total of 460,202 registered voters including 185,835 (40%) women.

FAFEN observers reported a total of 224 violations from 85 polling stations, averaging at 2.6 violations per polling station. While, no irregularities were observed in ballot processing at all 93 polling booths observed throughout the polling day, suspicious voting patterns were recorded at 24 polling booths in as many polling stations. In these polling booths, the reported votes were higher than 45 per hour at the time the turnout data was documented. In following the voting procedure as prescribed by the law, polling staff at one polling booth can process up to 45 votes at one booth in an hour. The highest number of voting rate was recorded at one polling booth of a polling station in Quetta – 87 per hour. Higher than usual voting rate was reported from 11 polling stations in Quetta, seven in Nushki and six in Chagai.

The ECP also could not deploy its Result Transmission System (RTS) in the by-election for NA-260, an innovative solution for efficient and transparent management of election results. Under this system, the Presiding Officers are required to send a picture of Statement of Count (Form-XIV) as soon as the result at a polling station is finalized directly to the ECP through a dedicated mobile application, which also records the time and location of the result transmission. Developed by ECP, the system was successfully used in the recently held by-election for PS-114 in Karachi and some earlier elections.

According to ECP officials, the RTS could not be used in NA-260 due to lack of resources. The federal government has yet to allocate funds that the ECP has requested for the conduct of next general elections, impeding its preparations particularly the use of technology that has been planned to improve the quality of elections as well as the result management.

According to FAFEN estimates, the overall turnout of NA-260 by-election remained 30.2 percent – 30.4 percent male turnout and 29.5 percent for women. During the 2013 GE, NA-260 registered a record turnout of 41 percent, while was observed to have drastically decreased during this by-election. The following figure illustrates the estimated turnout by gender:

FAFEN observers reported of an accord between the local tribes to bar women from voting at two polling stations in Zangiabad, Nushki. Polling agents stationed at polling stations No. 391 and 392 located in the premises of government primary schools in Zangiabad told FAFEN observers that local elders had years-old agreement of not allowing women to vote in the area. Attempts are being made to acquire the results forms from these polling stations to confirm the observation.

The observers also reported 150 incidents of illegal canvassing and campaigning inside and outside polling stations. At 52 polling booths, voters were observed to have been carrying voter chits with election symbols of contesting candidates. The observers reported the presence of candidates’ promotional material inside three polling stations, and on the walls outside 11 polling stations. Reports of candidates providing transport to voters were also received from 51 polling stations, whereas party camps were seen inside the 400-yards limit around 33 polling stations. However, no attempts by candidates or their supporters to influence the voters inside the polling stations was observed.

The security personnel were present inside and outside every polling station observed on the polling day. However, at 15 polling stations, security staff said they did not receive any training on election security. The ECP had sought help from the Army and Frontier Constabulary (FC) and Quick Response Force to ensure the polling day security. As many as 320 polling stations were declared highly sensitive and 50 sensitive.

The presiding officers at five polling stations told observers that they had not received ECP’s training. As many as 58 out of 85 presiding officers interviewed reported to have performed election duties in the past. According to observers, ECP monitoring teams and designated officials visited at least 36 polling stations and checked various aspects of the polling process including election security, voting and others.

Other irregularities include presence of unauthorized persons inside one polling station who were accompanying voters behind the secrecy screen. Similarly, the polling staff was observed asking voters of their voting choice at one polling station. FAFEN observers were not allowed to observe the voting and counting processes at four polling stations in Quetta and Chagai.

FAFEN observed the opening processes at 24 polling stations. The election staff was present and prepared to start the polling process by 8:00am except at one place where ballot books were not available at 8:00 am. The critical election forms i.e. copies of Form XIV and Ballot Paper Account (Form XV) did not match the number of candidates at 10 and 17 polling stations, respectively. The observers also reported absence of female staff at eight polling booths designated for women voters while at six such polling booths, male staff were also observed present alongside female staff.

FAFEN observers also observed the poll-closing and counting processes at 11 polling stations.  A total of 57 procedural irregularities were observed during closing and counting. Observers reported that three polling booths were not closed at the ECP’s announced time of 5:00 pm. Similarly, voters already in queue inside the polling station area at the time of closing were not allowed to vote at three polling stations, while at three other polling stations the queued up voters were allowed to vote after the announced 5.00 pm time. The polling staff did not close the doors of two polling stations during the counting process.

Polling agents were observed to be handling the ballot papers at one polling station. The presiding officers did not provide a copy of Form XIV at four polling stations to FAFEN observers and a copy of Form XV at eight polling stations. Observers also reported that the four presiding officers did not paste the Form XIV outside the polling stations.

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The multi-district constituency spanning Chagai, Nushki and parts of Quetta has a total of 460,202 registered voters including 185,835 (40%) women. As many as 36,203 new voters – 18,737 men and 17,466 women – have been added to the electoral rolls after the GE-2013, marking up for a 10% increase. The number of women voters increased by nine percent, while men voters by seven percent. According to a population estimate based on 2013 statistics, the share of women in the constituency’s population is 47%, which indicates that they are still under-represented in electoral rolls.

Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has deployed 26 trained observers to cover the entire constituency comprising of 407 polling stations. Using detailed standardized checklists, FAFEN observers will observe the voting, counting and consolidation of results processes. In addition to polling station observation, these observers will also collect Form XIV (Statement of the Count) and Form XV (Ballot Paper Account). Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set up 407 polling stations – 168 male, 131 female and 108 combined for the by-election. There are seven more polling stations than the previous election in the constituency. Two additional polling stations have been allocated to females and five to the combined category. Overall, 993 polling booths – 571 male and 422 female – will be set up.

According to Form-V (List of Contesting Candidates), a total of 17 candidates – nine political parties and eight independents – will contest the NA-260 by-elections. The previous winning party PkMAP has not formally positioned any candidate. However, FAFEN’s pre-election observation highlights that Jamal Khan Tarkai has their support. Since PkMAP has not held the legally binding intra-party elections, the ECP has not allocated an election symbol to them. The Jamiat Ulema-e Islam Fazl (JUI) has given their party ticket to Haji Muhammad Usman Badini, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has fielded Munir Ahmad Baloch. The Balochistan National Party (BNP) has positioned Mir Bahadur Khan, Jamiat Ulema-e Islam Nazryati (JUI-N) Maulana Qari Mahar Ullah, Awami National Party (ANP) Malik Ibrahim Kasi, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) Umair Mahmood Hasni, Jamiat Ulema-e Islam Sami (JUI-S) Syed M Tahir Shah Akhunzada, Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) Ahmad Ali Kohzad and Mustaqbil Pakistan (MP) gave their ticket to Zahir Shah. The constituency witnessed an intense election campaign by JUI-F and PkMAP.

The National Party (NP) who is the part of the ruling coalition in Balochistan has not fielded any candidate. However, FAFEN’s pre-election observation highlights that NP is providing support to the JUI candidate. Moreover, JUI also enjoys the electoral support of local Hasni Qaumi Alliance and Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamat (ASWJ).  The ANP and HDP have extended their support to BNP’s candidate, while PkMAP-backed candidate has the backing of Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM). The tribal Barrech Qaumi Alliance is supporting PPPP.

The ECP has sought help from the Army and Frontier Constabulary (FC) and Quick Response Force to ensure the polling day security. The security personal will be stationed inside and outside polling stations. As many as 320 polling stations have been declared highly sensitive and 50 sensitive.

In 2013, FAFEN’s observers reported 27 pre-election and 455 polling-day incidents of violation of election laws and regulations. Citizen observers witnessed oversized campaign material at eight places, two incidents of use of loudspeakers, three of voter inducement and four of political wall chalking. Moreover, six unauthorized elections rallies and four instances of display of arms were also observed. A majority of the election-day violations (238) were related to the closing of voting and counting processes. As many as 7,032 votes were also rejected during the 2013 election. Post-2013 election, FAFEN observed the tribunal proceedings. Two candidates had challenged Mr Mandokhail’s victory in NA-260 praying to the tribunal to declare the election result void, and investigate the rejected ballot papers. However, both petitions were dismissed.

Exploring the previous party trends and voting behaviour in NA-260, a majority of voters entrusted their representation to three different candidates representing as many political parties during the general elections since 2002. Hafiz Hussain Ahmad of Muttahida Majlid-e-Amal (MMA) emerged as victorious in GE-2002; Sardar Al-Haaj Muhammad Umar Goragaje of PPPP in GE-2008; and Abdul Rahim Mandokhel of PkMAP in 2013. During these three elections, the voters’ preferences have shifted from alliance of right-wing religiopolitical parties to a center-left party and then to Pashtun ethno-nationalist party.

The Pakistan Muslim League (PML) was runner-up during GE-2002 and GE-2008, while during GE-2013 JUI stood at second position. As mentioned earlier, the 2013 election witnessed a record-high turnout of 41%, whereas only 28.6% and 26.3% electors had exercised their right to vote during 2002 and 2008 respectively. As many as 11 candidates contested GE-2002, 13 GE-2008 and 40 GE-2013.

FAFEN is a network of 50 leading civil society organizations working for democratic accountabilities across Pakistan. The observation of NA-260 is being carried out by Centre for Peace and Development (CPD), a local organization with their secretariat in Quetta, Balochistan.

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