Expressing concerns over the Pakistani Election Commission’s “improper arrangements” in the recently-held general elections, the European Union (EU) Election Mission Observers in Pakistan on Wednesday ruled out interference by the intelligence agencies during polls.
Addressing a press conference‚ the head of the EU Election Observation Mission, Michael Gahler said the legal framework had improved but in the light of the recent polls, they had forwarded 50 recommendations “as there are plenty of grey areas direly seeking the reforms”.
Gahler said the EU Election Mission Observers arrived in Pakistan on March 3 and stayed here until June 4, during which the observers monitored the recent elections in 184 constituencies.
He said the observations were made independently without any pressure after which a detailed report was prepared.
The European Union Observer Mission chief said the mission had found no evidence of any interference by the intelligence agencies in the electoral process during the recent polls.
“The mission has no evidence of any interference in the electoral process by the intelligence agencies. However, certain institutions have crossed their limits in the discharge of their duties.”
Gahler ruled out the suspicion of rigging in elections in Pakistan. However, he criticised the Election Commission of Pakistan for not properly meeting its responsibilities.
Hitting hard at the ECP, Gahler said polling staff was changed minutes before the end of the polling. He said the ECP had not fulfilled its responsibilities, as number of candidates had not been given an equal opportunity to contest in the recent polls, adding that nomination papers of some of the candidates had been accepted from one constituency and were rejected in another.
He urged the government to form a parliamentary committee to review election-related issues aiming at improving the electoral process.
Applauding the role of NADRA‚ Gahler said measures to promote women’s participation in the electoral process was required.
He said allegations of rigging began pouring in after polling ended whereas the process of declaring official results was extremely slow.
“The ECP should have taken the responsibility of all such procedures,” he said.
