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ISLAMABAD, 20 February 2008 The National and Provincial Assembly elections were competitive and the polling process achieved increased public confidence, but there were significant problems with the election framework and environment, concludes the preliminary assessment of European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM).
We are relieved that election day has passed off better than had been anticipated and commend the commitment shown by voters, candidates, election staff, and representatives of media and civil society, said Michael Gahler, Chief Observer of the EU EOM. However, elections were held in an environment that provided significant challenges for the conduct of democratic elections.
The EU EOM concluded that polling was assessed positively on the whole, although some disorder and procedural irregularities were noted, particularly in female polling stations. The compilation process was positively assessed in the majority of constituencies observed. However, candidate agents and observers were not granted sufficient access to results compilation at the constituency level. Very few returning officers displayed constituency results with a breakdown of polling stations - a basic transparency requirement.
Problems with the framework and environment included public authorities favouring the former ruling parties, serious restrictions on the right to stand as a candidate, restrictions and pressure on the media, involvement by Nazims in campaigning activity, and a complaints and appeals framework that fails to provide effective remedy. Technical preparations for the elections saw some improvement. However, problematic issues identified during the 2002 elections have not been sufficiently addressed. Lack of confidence in the independence of the Election Commission remains.
The election period has shown the strong desire of the Pakistani people for democracy and the rule of law, said Robert Evans, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation. In response, we urge political parties to work responsibly to address the challenges ahead and demonstrate commitment to strengthening the electoral and wider democratic process.
While the campaign was low key and subdued, it saw a broad range of views expressed. Regrettably, there was significant loss of life, including the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Restrictions and pressures were imposed on the media during the election period, limiting freedom of expression. Private media provided candidates and parties with pluralistic coverage during the campaign but the public broadcasters gave substantial coverage to the President, government and PML-Q and only limited coverage of other parties.
Chief Observer Michael Gahler said that the Mission is currently observing the results consolidation process and will remain in Pakistan to observe post election developments, including complaints and appeals. He called for all outstanding complaints and appeals against the results to be processed quickly, impartially and transparently, as well as the publication of detailed results by polling station.
A final report containing detailed recommendations for the future, will be published within two months of the completion of the entire process, Gahler added.
Contact: Press and Public Outreach Office
by e-mail: ehtel.halliste@euelectionsteam.org.
by Phone: 03085204677 | 
