Free election guarantee: Observers trained to ensure ‘genuine results’

Role of the observers is to pay close heed to the electoral process.

MINGORA:

Civilian observers for the upcoming polls have been trained to report any corrupt activities to authorities during the election process.  

At a training organised in Mingora by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) and All Women Advancement and Resources Development (AWARD), it was stressed that the role of the observers would be to pay close heed to the electoral process and report what was happening. During the polling process, impartiality is key on part of the observer to ensure free and fair elections, trainers said.

It will be the observers’ responsibility to provide accurate information and help prevent rigging in the balloting process.

The observers were told to report all violations and corrupt behaviour during the electoral process. They were told not to interfere in the process by assisting anyone in casting their ballot, or suggesting who to vote for. Finally, observers are not allowed to arbitrate any conflict that occurs during the process. In the NA-29 constituency, a total 73 clusters comprised of 164 male and female observers will monitor 321 polling stations.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2013.