DELEGATION FROM BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION MEETS SECRETARY ELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN.
Islamabad, the 17th January, 2008:— Two Members’ Delegation from British High Commission comprising Mr. Ray Kyles, Deputy High Commissioner and Ms. Laura Davies, First Secretary (Political) called on Kanwar Dilshad, Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan and discussed matters relating to the Conduct of General Elections, 2007-08.
2. The Secretary, Election Commission briefed the Delegation regarding ongoing process of the General Elections with reference to the assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the damage caused as a result thereof occurred after that tragic incident. The Delegation was informed that the International Observers as well as Domestic Observers will be free to move anywhere in Pakistan to witness the electoral process and they are being issued Accreditation Cards to facilitate their visit to the polling stations and the offices of the Returning Officers to observe compilation and counting process and they will be free to make their observations. The Secretary also assured the delegation that the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission are committed to conduct free, fair and transparent elections in a peaceful atmosphere and that impartiality, objectivity and neutrality will be maintained.
3. The Delegation was given a detailed briefing about the polling process on the polling day and counting of votes after close of the poll, announcement of the result at the polling stations by the Presiding Officers and also by the Returning Officer after compilation of the result. They were apprised that the Hon’ble CEC has categorically instructed the Presiding Officers/Returning Officers to ensure transparency in the compilation of the result and announcement thereof in the presence of party agent, candidates and the observers, who happened to be there and copies of the result may be displayed at conspicuous places at the polling stations as well as in the offices of Returning Officer for information of general public.