Ziarat By-election Records Low Incidence of Violations

ISLAMABAD, March 26, 2017: By-election on a Balochistan Assembly constituency in Ziarat (PB-07) on Sunday was observed to be managed well in terms of control over campaigning around polling stations and procedural irregularities. While party camps around polling stations was a rare scene in the constituency, election administrators, however, could not control over unchecked provision…

FAFEN Review and Recommendations Draft Elections Bill 2017

FAFEN Review and Recommendations Draft Elections Bill 2017

The Draft Elections Bill, 2017, represents a step forward, but still requires critical improvements to ensure the independence and authority of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over all aspects of an election as a prerequisite for free, fair and transparent General Election due in 2018. Appreciating the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms for circulating…

2013 General Elections in Pakistan Joint International Election Observation Mission Report

This report is offered by the joint international election observation mission of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL). The mission consisted of 48 observers from 18 countries. NDI-ANFREL observers arrived in Pakistan on April 26 and stayed in country through May 22. On election day, observers were deployed…

European Union Election Observation Mission 2013 General Elections Report

European Union Election Observation Mission 2013 General Elections Report

A strong democratic commitment was demonstrated in the 2013 elections, by the state authorities of Pakistan, civil society, political parties and voters. Despite escalating militant attacks, and procedural shortcomings, the electoral process progressed with high levels of competition, a marked increase in voter participation, and overall acceptance of the outcome. The electoral reform undertaken in…

Irregularities, Illegalities Surge in PP-78 By-Election

ISLAMABAD, December 1, 2016: A relatively higher incidence of procedural irregularities characterized the by-election for PP-78 (Jhang-II) held on Thursday amid a heavy deployment of security forces, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). FAFEN observers reported rampant incidents of campaigning and canvassing near polling premises, presence of unauthorized persons inside polling stations, curbs on…

Karachi Sees Peaceful But Lackluster By-Election in NA-258

ECP improves training of security staff, enhances monitoring ISLAMABAD, November 28, 2016: Large-scale deployment of police and Rangers ensured peaceful conduct of by-election in NA-258 (Malir, Karachi-XX) amid lack of political interest and low voter turnout, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). Alleging interference by the PP-led provincial government, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf…

Shikarpur By-Election: Heightened Security Improves Enforcement, Undermines Transparency

ISLAMABAD, October 20, 2016: Notwithstanding the marked decrease in number of violations of law, the usual procedural irregularities of canvassing around polling stations, presence of unauthorized personnel inside polling premises, absence of arrangement facilitating women voters and curbs on observation continued to be reported from a number of polling stations established by ECP for by-election…

Rawalpindi PP-7 By-Polls: Instances of Illegal Campaigning Increase

ISLAMABAD, September 26, 2016: Instances of illegal campaigning, canvassing, presence of unauthorized individuals inside polling premises and bar on observation were some of the major irregularities of Punjab constituency by-election held in PP-7 Rawalpindi-VII on Monday, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). FAFEN observers were barred from observing the election processes at around five…