EU Observer Mission says elections-2013 better organized than2008
ISLAMABAD: European Union Observer Mission chief, Michael Gahler, released its final report on the May 11 elections at a news conference. He said the EU observers had monitored 184 constituencies of the National Assembly. It made 50 recommendations for electoral reforms. He said some institutions had crossed limits in discharge of their duty and the PML-N had been given more coverage than other parties during the election campaign.
The EU Mission also ruled out suspicion about rigging in the elections and involvement of intelligence agencies in the process. It described this year’s elections as better organized than the 2008 polls.
“Now is the time for the new parliament, the Election Commission and other stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to democratic Pakistan. Legislation can be further improved and every by-election and local government election offers an opportunity for implementing improved practices,” Mr Gahler said.
Seven of the 50 recommendations relate to constitutional changes and 17 to primary legislation. The report suggests formation of a special parliamentary committee on elections to review related legislation within the framework of international law commitments such as candidacy criteria, transparency requirements and mechanisms for an effective remedy.
The Election Commission (ECP) should take full responsibility for the administration of elections, including through management control of the work of returning officers, and fully implement its five-year strategic plan using the opportunity of any upcoming by-election and local bodies election to implement improved practices, the team stressed.
The ECP should develop a clear regulatory framework covering all aspects of election, including management, observation and scrutiny, and addressing complaints. It should review and develop procedures to increase checks on the polling and results process and improve the quality of completed result forms.
The report wants the ECP to introduce strong transparency measures and make all notifications, decisions and election-related information public. The polling results should be immediately placed on the ECP website.
It recommends that the legal framework for the media be revised so that it could fully support editorial independence and eliminate opportunities for censorship. The code of conduct for the media should be enforced so that equitable opportunities are given to candidates and parties by the state and private media.
