Democracy in Pakistan: EU appeals for boosting electoral framework

QUETTA: Democracy Reporting International (DRI) has called for adequate security, stronger electoral administration and greater transparency to avoid snags in future elections in Balochistan.

Speaker at a seminar held by DRI in Quetta called for resolute actions to prevent serious problems with the general elections in Balochistan in the future.

DRI, that arranged the seminar under its European Union founded project on supporting advocacy for electoral reform, has emphasised that as the country gears up for local government elections in all four provinces, the federal and provincial assemblies, and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should undertake comprehensive reform to improve the electoral framework.

The seminar was arranged to highlight key findings and recommendations of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Pakistan 2013.

The EU EOM had been able to undertake its comprehensive observation methodology in volatile Balochistan because of the security situation.

"If we want to see increased participation of citizens and wider acceptance of electoral outcomes by all of the stakeholders in Balochistan, it is important that the problems that hampered the electoral process during the general elections are addressed promptly and adequately," said former Deputy Chief Observer of the EU EOM to Pakistan in 2013 Hannah Roberts.

The participants of the seminar concurred that reforms should be carried out in a timely manner well before the pre-election period.
Amongst many issues raised, participants called for effective measures against deteriorated law and order situation in the province to protect the rights of voters, candidates, political activists, journalists and observers. Unusual delay in the announcement of results of some constituencies was noted as another key issue during the electoral process.

Participants urged all stakeholders to work together to improve the electoral framework and its complete implementation so that Pakistan continues to strengthen its democratic process.

RECOMMENDATIONS 
1. Formation of a special parliamentary committee on elections to review legislation within a framework of international law commitments which include candidacy criteria, transparency requirements, and mechanisms of effective remedy.
2. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) take full responsibility for the administration of the elections, including through management control of the work of Returning Officers (ROs).
3. The ECP establish a clear regulatory framework for all aspects of the election, including in regards to results management, observation and scrutiny, and complaints and develop increased checks in the polling and results process.
4. The ECP introduce transparency measures and make all notifications and decisions publicly available.
5. The legal framework for media be revised so it fully supports editorial independence and eliminates opportunities for censorship. The code of conduct for Media be enforced, so that suitable opportunities are given to candidates and parties by the state and private media.
6. Further measures be taken to promote the participation of women in the electoral process.
Over 120 representatives of major political parties, civil society, the media, the ECP and parliamentarians attended the seminar. This series of seminars is part of DRI?s on-going efforts to contribute to the debate on electoral reforms at both national and provincial levels.