ECP training — and inclusive, accountable and transparent polls

Guidance should emphasise principle that citizens can freely cast their ballots without fear or discrimination

The Supreme Court has halted a Lahore High Court (LHC) order that suspended the appointment of District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) from the bureaucracy to oversee and manage the electoral processes across all National and Provincial Assemblies constituencies. These executive officers will oversee the affairs in their assigned constituencies, making their role and conduct crucial for safeguarding the quality and integrity of elections.

The responsibilities entrusted to these DROs and ROs include a range of tasks outlined in the Elections Act, Elections Rules and their respective handbooks such as the establishment of polling stations, deployment of election staff, delivery of election materials, management of security affairs, accreditation of observers, declaration of sensitive polling stations, scrutiny of nomination papers for contesting candidates, oversight of the polling and counting processes, consolidation of results and transmission of results to the ECP for official announcement and notification. Consequently, it is imperative that their actions and conduct consistently reflect impartiality, neutrality and objectivity. Furthermore, the guidance provided to them should be proactive, with continuous monitoring to ensure adherence to these principles.

The training of DROs and ROs, as well as the subsequent training sessions for a workforce comprising nearly 1 million individuals deployed for election-day management — including presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers — is pivotal for upholding the constitutionally-defined norms mandating the conduct of elections with honesty, justice, fairness and adherence to the law, while actively guarding against corrupt practices. In the past, political stakeholders have raised concerns about the election quality, especially following the General Elections 2013, labeling them as “elections being managed by ROs” to favour one party over another. Independent observers have also reported shortcomings in the quality of election processes, particularly highlighting issues related to inclusivity in polls.

Such claims warrant proactive actions by the ECP to address them during the upcoming elections. During the training activity for election officials, the ECP should emphasise the need for inclusiveness in electoral processes, and establish a uniform methodology for officials to follow while performing their duties. The electoral process will significantly improve if these officials execute their duties with traits that reflect neutrality and openness, all while maintaining a consistent and well-organized approach.

The training content and delivery should be tailored to accommodate the specific needs of traditionally underrepresented groups including women, persons with disabilities, transgender persons and religious minorities. Training materials for election officials and security staff should emphasise the importance of sensitivity towards gender and inclusion.

For instance, careful attention should be given to the selection of polling station locations, as distant or inaccessible sites without proper infrastructure may adversely impact voter turnout. Accessibility of polling stations for persons with disabilities should be prioritised. Likewise, the deployment of female staff at female polling stations should be ensured to encourage greater participation of women in elections. Moreover, the conduct of security personnel and their oversight by election officials should be ensured for them to treat all individuals equally.

Training and guidance should emphasise the principle that citizens can freely cast their ballots without fear or discrimination. This will contribute to the improvement of the conduct of polling and security staff, significantly impacting voter turnout. A consistent, cordial and respectful approach is crucial in this regard. The legitimacy of elections and their outcomes entirely depends on the quality and efficacy of the ECP’s role. Recognising this, the training of election officials is critical for improving electoral management, thereby fostering increased trust and confidence in the overall electoral system.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2023.

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