Pakistan

All eyes: Vigilance is key

Both, local and international observers will monitor proceedings on election day

Haddiqua Siddiqui July 23, 2018

Candidates launch door-to-door campaign, hold rallies and corner meetings PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: That adequate monitoring of election proceedings presents a challenge in a country where democratic governments have completed their five-year tenures only twice is an understatement.

Local and international observers will be discharging duties nationwide on July 25 in this regard. Of all players - the people of Pakistan, the most important stakeholders and the media - the fourth estate will also essay pivotal roles in gauging the credibility of the forthcoming exercise.

Can vote, won’t vote

The people

The Elections Act, 2017, provides every citizen the right to file a complaint with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on any discrepancy witnessed. Citizen observers’ rights and duties have been formulated under a new law for the first time in the nation's history since 1970.

International observers

International observers from countries the world over send applications to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor election proceedings. The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission has arrived in the country and will present a report on July 27, the ministry said in a statement.

ECP will take action against party terror suspects

As per the ECP’s code of conduct, international observers shall exercise impartiality in line with the Constitution. A top poll body official said the ECP could revoke permission granted to an international observers' body in case of any violation.

Local monitors

NGO Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) works with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to collect voters’ data and helps the ECP train observers.

The Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA) is another organisation engaged in similar areas of activity.

Apart from other projects, the ECP has conducted nationwide training for citizen observers. “Observers will be posted at polling stations, and shall report directly if an obstruction occurs on the day,” an ECP spokesperson said.

The fourth power

Media, the fourth estate, is expected to play a neutral observer's role throughout the polls. The ECP has issued a code of conduct for the press to follow. Among other guidelines, individual observers are not permitted to directly share details with the media.