FAFEN observed polling processes at a maximum of 38,274 polling stations and 31,337 polling booths spanning over 263 National Assembly constituencies as a part of its election day observations. The exercise yielded observations of a total 71,397 irregularities and violations in the day’s proceedings. These observations were recorded on standardized observation checklists designed to document…
The 2013 general elections in Pakistan marked a watershed in the electoral and democratic history of the country. The elections were held following the completion of the constitutional tenure of the outgoing assemblies—the first such transition from one purely civilian government to another. The elections were also the first to be organized by the post-18th Constitutional Amendment restructuring…
This update, covering the proceedings till January 31, 2014, is based upon the observation of election tribunals as part of FAFEN’s legal study being commissioned with the assistance of 18 trained lawyers. These lawyers collect information and observe the proceedings of the tribunals. Only forty eight percent (198 of 410) of the post-election petitions were…
Only forty percent (152 of 379) of the post-election petitions were decided by the election tribunals by December 31, 2013, with the tribunals falling behind the legally stipulated time of 120 days for the disposal of petitions in at least 181 cases. The election results were officially notified on May 22, 2013, after which the…
Elections make a fundamental contribution to democratic governance, enabling voters to elect their representatives and to hold them accountable for their performance, which is essence of democracy. Elections have become a major factor in the stabilization and democratization of emerging democracies like Pakistan. It was an historic moment in political history of Pakistan, when an elected government completed its Constitutional term…
Democracy is regarded as the best way to provide a voice for the most vulnerable of groups and individuals and the only way to change governments by peaceful means. Foundation of any democracy is right to vote. This right is fundamental in nature. A country cannot be truly democratic until its citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives through…
Only One-fourth (95 of 373) post-election petitions have been decided by the Election Tribunals by October 31, 2013 with Election Tribunals falling behind the legally stipulated time of 120 days for the disposal of a petition in at least 18 cases. The election results were officially notified on May 22 after which the candidates had…
The election results were officially notified on May 22, meaning the candidates had until July 6 to submit petitions with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) constituted 14 tribunals (13 working) across the country to redress election related complaints of contesting candidates. The commission received 402 petitions in all,…
The Observer Mission members arrived in Pakistan between 4 and 6 May 2013. During three days of briefings, the Mission met with the Election Commission, political party representatives, civil society groups, media, Commonwealth High Commissions, and national and international observer missions. An Arrival Statement was issued on 9 May 2013 (Annex 2). The Observer Mission…
ISLAMABAD, September 18, 2013: Four incidents of women being barred from voting were reported during the NA-25 (Dera Ismail Khan-cum-Tank) by-election on Wednesday. The voting process was largely peaceful amid heavy deployment of security personnel. However, female voters were disenfranchised in parts of the constituency where community elders had reportedly decided to bar women from…
Disclaimer:
The election results from 1970 to 1997 are taken from Pakistan Election Compendium published by the Church World Services in collaboration with Punjab Lok Sujag; a Pakistani civil society organization. Whereas, the results of elections held from 2002 onwards have been acquired from the Election Commission of Pakistan. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of data; however, any possible errors and omissions are excepted.