![tribune tribune](https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251759-editorialxfinalfix-15932815781594457933-0/2251759-editorialxfinalfix-15932815781594457933-0.jpg)
However, the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) has — in its recent findings and analysis of the 2018 general election — given the ECP a clean chit as to the opposition’s scathing criticism over Form 45 and a related allegation of the expulsion of their polling agents from polling stations during the vote count. Fafen has found out that the incidence of non-provision of Form 45 to candidates and their agents at polling stations dropped to 2.5% in the 2018 elections from 7.5% in the 2013 elections. The Fafen report also rejects that polling agents had been expelled from polling stations.
The report, however, says that the assessment of Form 45 reveals that 22,319 forms — or 28% — were either inaccurate, unduly filled or were only partially available. The majority of such forms — 17,722 — were unduly filled. Missing most prominently and frequently were the NIC numbers, signatures or thumb impression of presiding officers. What shall we call this? Omission or commission? Irregularities or fraud? The same question had arisen in the previous elections too.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 3rd, 2018.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ