Running for elections does not provide immunity from law: EU observer

ISLAMABAD: In an inaugural press conference of the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission (EOM) head Michael Gahler on Thursday, he said that being a candidate for the upcoming elections does not provide anyone with the immunity from the law.

According to a local media report, Gahler replied to a question about the alleged targeting of the former ruling party’s candidates by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) stating that running for election does not put one beyond the law.

The mission is led by Chief Observer, Michael Gahler, a member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Germany.

The EU EOM will assess the elections according to the national law of Pakistan and the regional and international commitments it has made regarding elections. The EU deployed EOMs to Pakistan in 2002, 2008 and 2013.

The mission has also recommended more roles to the women in the election process.

In the new laws, political parties have been made bound to give at least five per cent tickets to the women. The law also entails that if women votes will be less than 10 per cent of the total votes polled, election results of that constituency will be cancelled.

Other recommendations incorporated were related to electoral rolls, delimitations and other such procedural matters.

A core team of 10 election experts of EU EOM arrived in Islamabad on 24 June. Following this, in early July, 60 long-term observers (LTOs) are due to be deployed across the country.

According to Gahler, the EU EOM’s assessment of the electoral process is independent of any EU institution and member states.  EU observers adhere to a Code of Conduct that obliges them to maintain strict impartiality and neutrality, he added

A preliminary statement would be issued shortly after elections day. Whereas, a comprehensive final report, with recommendations for improving future elections, would be published at least two months later.