C'wealth flags concerns in 2024 polls

Cite curbs on political rights, cellular shutdowns as undermining transparency

KARACHI:

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has released its final report on Pakistan's February 2024 general elections, noting that conditions appeared to limit "fundamental political rights" and affected "one party's ability to contest the polls" on a fair footing.

The report, issued said the suspension of cellular services on election night undermined transparency and slowed the reporting of results - developments which, it observed, may have "impinged on the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process."

The 13-member independent and multi-disciplinary group, led by former Nigerian president Dr Goodluck Jonathan, was convened by then Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland following an invitation from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Members were deployed across the country to observe the February 8, 2024 general elections, with the report now offering an assessment of the entire electoral process along with recommendations for future improvements.

"In its final report, the group highlighted, among others, the conditions which appeared to limit fundamental political rights and impacted one party's ability to fairly contest the election," said a press release issued by the Commonwealth.

"Additionally… a shutdown of cellular services on election night, which reduced the transparency of the process and impacted the efficiency of receiving results. The report concluded that these developments may have 'impinged on the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process'."

While pointing to shortcomings, the COG commended several measures undertaken by the ECP. It praised the Commission's efforts to ensure inclusivity, including the expansion of its Gender and Social Inclusion Wing, which helped reduce the voter registration gender gap from 12% in 2013 to 7.7% in 2024.

The group also acknowledged the establishment of a gender hotline for reporting election-related harassment and intimidation, as well as an improvement in youth voter turnout. The report further noted the potential for strengthening Pakistan's democracy.

"The potential of Pakistan's democracy is enormous. Pakistan has a vibrant and diverse media; women and the youth are more engaged than ever; and Pakistan's CSOs [civil society organizations] play a critical role in the democratic life of the country, continually pushing for reform and improvement," the observers wrote.

The report put forward wide-ranging proposals for reform, covering the legal framework and its interpretation, election administration, political rights, women's participation, pre-election campaigning, and the role of the media.

It added: "Our Group makes a number of carefully considered recommendations for improving future elections in Pakistan, which we hope will be received in the Commonwealth spirit of mutual learning and cooperation."

The COG clarified that its role, in line with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, was limited to impartially observing the electoral process and offering recommendations.