The election tribunals established by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have failed to redress post-election disputes within the legally-stipulated deadline. A year after the 2013 elections, nearly 27% (109 out of 410) petitions are still awaiting decisions. Meanwhile, 73% (301 out of 410) cases have been decided by the tribunals and the ECP (276…
The election tribunals established by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have fallen behind the legally-stipulated deadline to dispose of petitions in 124 out of 126 pending cases. As of April 30, 2014, only 69% (284 out of 410) of the post-election petitions were decided by the election tribunals and ECP (259 out of 385…
The election tribunals established by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to redress post-election disputes have failed to dispose of as many as 150 out of 156 petitions within the legally-stipulated deadline. As of March 31, 2014, only 62% (254 of 410) of the post-election petitions were decided by the tribunals and the ECP (229…
The election tribunals established by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to redress post-election disputes have fallen behind the legally-stipulated deadline to dispose of petitions in 184 out of the 190 pending cases. As of February 28, 2014, only 54% (220 out of 410) of the post-election disputes were decided by the tribunals and the…
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…
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.