Islamabad: The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), in its assessment of the November 23 by-elections, has raised serious concerns regarding the transparency of the electoral process. While it acknowledged that the overall election arrangements were satisfactory, the report highlighted several issues, including violations of the electoral code of conduct, low voter turnout, and a lack of transparency in the result-making process.
According to FAFEN, voter turnout in most constituencies remained below 50%, which was described as alarming. Observers, including 122 representatives, visited a total of 373 polling stations to monitor the election process.
The report also pointed out that political party camps were set up close to polling stations, and at 49% of polling stations, political workers interfered with the movement of voters. FAFEN further identified the illegal presence of election materials at 16 polling stations.
Additionally, the report revealed that at 29% of booths, support staff had pre-signed ballot papers, and at 28% of booths, pre-stamped ballot papers were observed. It also noted that at six polling stations, Form 45 (result forms) were not provided to polling agents, and at 43% of polling stations, the result forms were completed without the signatures of polling agents. Furthermore, 13 polling stations did not provide Form 45 to observers.
FAFEN has urged political parties to push for key reforms in electoral laws to make the election process more transparent, organized, and trustworthy. The Election Commission of Pakistan has already issued notifications for the successful candidates of the by-elections.
