ISLAMABAD: The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has released its report on the by-elections held on November 23, acknowledging some improvements in the electoral arrangements but also pointing to significant concerns.
The report highlights violations of the election code of conduct and gaps in transparency, raising questions about the integrity of the process.
FAFEN’s findings show that voter turnout in the by-elections was notably low, with most constituencies recording a turnout of less than 50%. The organization deployed 122 observers across 373 polling stations, and their observations revealed several key issues.
Among the violations were political party camps set up too close to polling stations, which is prohibited by election rules. In addition, 49% of the polling stations saw political parties facilitating voter movement, which undermines the fairness of the process. Election materials were also found inside 16 polling stations, further compromising the credibility of the election.
The report also noted inconsistencies in the arrangements for women, elderly, and disabled voters, with some polling stations failing to provide adequate provisions for these groups. Despite these shortcomings, 93% of the polling booths saw peaceful and orderly voting, which was a positive outcome.
Irregularities in the handling of ballot papers were also flagged. In 29% of polling booths, polling officers had pre-signed the ballot papers, and in 28% of stations, ballot papers had already been stamped before being distributed to voters.
Additionally, at six polling stations, polling agents were not provided with the required Form 45, which is essential for verifying the election results. At 43% of polling stations, polling agents were not asked to sign the result forms, raising concerns about the accuracy of the final vote tally. Furthermore, 13 polling stations did not provide observers with Form 45, further reducing the transparency of the election process.
While FAFEN commended the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of voting, the report stresses the need for reforms to address these persistent issues. The violations and irregularities identified suggest that greater oversight and stricter adherence to election laws are needed to ensure fair and transparent elections in the future.
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