Rigging charges affected LG poll transparency: FAFEN

The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) — in a detailed report over second phase of Sindh local government elections— observed that the electoral process remained transparent and orderly.

FAFEN in its observation report issued on Thursday stated that unnecessary delay in the results marred the peaceful and orderly election process.

The report noted that there was a significant difference in voter turnout rates in Karachi and Hyderabad divisions. “Voter turnout in Karachi and urban Hyderabad was low due to boycott of MQM Pakistan.”

It said that allegations of rigging by political parties affected the transparency of elections, and noted that in a general election year, disputes over the electoral process will not create a good impression. “Controversies over the quality of electoral processes do not augur well, particularly when the political parties are preparing for General Elections that are constitutionally due by October 11, 2023.”

In its remark regarding the transparent electoral process, FAFEN observed that the voting process remained orderly, unlike the previous phase when instances of overcrowding at polling stations led to untoward situations.

“The election day environment was largely peaceful as FAFEN received only 14 reports of verbal altercations on January 15, 2023, as compared to 55 incidents of violence including some physical and armed clashes during the first phase.”

The report further stated that political stability in the country can only come through free elections. And without it the citizens’ trust in the democratic process will remain shaky.

"Democracy will be weaker without fair elections.”

Observing the voters turnout rate, FAFEN noted that despite controversies and uncertainty over the conduct of elections, an impressive number of people turned to vote in local government elections in Badin, Jamshoro, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Thatta, and Malir Districts.

However, the voter turnout remained relatively lower in Karachi Central, Karachi East, Karachi West, Karachi South, Korangi, Hyderabad, and Kemari Districts.

According to the report, the turnout in the Hyderabad Division remained more than 40 percent, while in Karachi it was less than 20 percent with the exception of Malir. The turnout in Karachi and Hyderabad Divisions remained at 36 and 58 percent, respectively, in the last local government elections held in 2015.

Directing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the report stated that ECP should try to address the legitimate concerns of political parties.

“The Election Commission, at the same time, need to open up to political actors and address their legitimate concerns through the regulatory space available to it under the Elections Act, 2017, to ensure truly “inclusive” elections, minimizing the eventualities of poll boycotts by major political parties in future.”

The report further noted that irregularities related to issuance of ballot papers persisted in the second phase as well, adding that 14 incidents of verbal abuse reported at polling stations.

Despite allegations of rigging, Karachi division interim results were received within two days while Hyderabad division’s overall results are still awaited, the report stated.