90 per cent data shows level playing field available: FAFEN
'The third transfer of power will strengthen democracy'
PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) spokesperson Sarwar Bari on Tuesday stated 90 per cent data collected reflects that a level playing field is being provided to political parties ahead of the general elections 2018.
"90 per cent data shows a level playing field is available. There are no complains of harassment by the district level office bearers of political parties," he said while talking exclusively to The Express Tribune.
The interviews were conducted by FAFEN officials.
Bari added that the remaining 10 per cent are reservations of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Partty (PPP) pertaining to pre-poll rigging.
General elections: Help The Express Tribune report irregularities
While commenting on allegations regarding the establishment supporting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), Bari said, "There is no proof in these allegations. The concerned stakeholders should approach the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) with evidence of favoritism."
The FAFEN spokesperson agreed to the fact that the media is being muzzled but to an extent.
'Two major news outlets are suffering because of this," he said.
Elections in the time of social media
Bari further said these two newspapers are unable to run their stories and their distribution is being hindered.
"Their articles are not even being published," he added. "The media is being gagged."
However, Bari did say the third election and third transfer of power will definitely strengthen democracy.
"Educated, well informed and politically aware polling agents should be representing political parties at the polling stations, " he advised political parties before concluding his talk.
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) spokesperson Sarwar Bari on Tuesday stated 90 per cent data collected reflects that a level playing field is being provided to political parties ahead of the general elections 2018.
"90 per cent data shows a level playing field is available. There are no complains of harassment by the district level office bearers of political parties," he said while talking exclusively to The Express Tribune.
The interviews were conducted by FAFEN officials.
Bari added that the remaining 10 per cent are reservations of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Partty (PPP) pertaining to pre-poll rigging.
General elections: Help The Express Tribune report irregularities
While commenting on allegations regarding the establishment supporting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), Bari said, "There is no proof in these allegations. The concerned stakeholders should approach the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) with evidence of favoritism."
The FAFEN spokesperson agreed to the fact that the media is being muzzled but to an extent.
'Two major news outlets are suffering because of this," he said.
Elections in the time of social media
Bari further said these two newspapers are unable to run their stories and their distribution is being hindered.
"Their articles are not even being published," he added. "The media is being gagged."
However, Bari did say the third election and third transfer of power will definitely strengthen democracy.
"Educated, well informed and politically aware polling agents should be representing political parties at the polling stations, " he advised political parties before concluding his talk.