EU raises question over fairness of election atmosphere

ISLAMABAD—Unveiling report with regard to Feb 18 elections in Pakistan, European Union Election Observation Mission said that the elections were not completely, fair and transparent, as large number of Political activists, journalists, lawyers, judges including Chief Justice were under detention at that time.
“State run media were used for elections campaign of former ruling Party of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q). Nazims were directly involved in elections campaign and widespread misuse of stat resources was observed, mostly on behalf of candidates of the PML-Q”, said a report comprised on 69 pages.
It added that more significant role was played in these elections by media and civil society, including by providing greater scrutiny of the process. However, there was serious problem with the framework and condition in which the elections were held and a level playing field was provided during the campaign, primarily as a result of abuse of state resources and bias in the stae media in favour of the Former ruling Parties.
As a result, the overall process fell short of a number of international standards of genuine democratic elections. The elections took place in a difficult security environment in which the threat of violence and an atmosphere of fear prevailed.
As a result of attack on political party gatherings, over 100 party supporters were killed during the campaign. In addition, over 50 people were reportedly killed clash between supporters during this period, report added.
Tragically on December 2007, report said, leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Benazir Bhutto was assassinated at a campaign rally, leading to widespread anger, violence and rioting around the country. In this context, the election process, particularly on the day of voting saw courageous commitment to the democratic process by voters, candidates and party, workers, elections staff, representatives of media and civil society and state personnel.
It was also said in report that the elections process began while emergency rule was in place and the constitution was suspended, together with its guarantees of fundamental rights. Several thousand people, including judges and journalists were detained. Emergency rule was lifted only one day before the beginning of the campaign period.
During the period of emergency rule many judges including the Chief Justice were removed following an executive order, damaging public confidence in the independence judiciary and the rule of law. Judiciary plays significant role in the elections administration as well as election adjudication. There are multiple deficiencies in the complaints and appeals process. The right to stand as a candidate is also breached by the legal requirement for a bachelor degree, which excluded the overwhelming the majority of the population.
There was lack of confidence among elections stakeholders in the independence and efficacy of the election commission of Pakistan. Upto 260 million voters out of 81 million registered voters could not vote due to erroneous entries and omission in registration and unavailability of computerized national identity cards.
Restrictions and pressures placed on media before and during the election period seriously limited freedom of expression and the public’s right to receive information. There were credible repots of police harassment of opposition party workers and agents, it said.
According to the report, insufficient measures wee taken to meet legal obligations to enable women to exercise their right to vote. The election process is not yet complete. Some constituencies are still to hold polling and some cases are outstanding at the superior courts and tribunals.

—Online