REPORTS OF INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS ARE BEING EXAMINED BY ELECTION COMMISSION
—SECRETARY
ELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN
Islamabad, the 23rd September, 2005.- Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, Federal Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan has stated that Election Commission has always welcomed national and international observers to observe the election process. In first two phases of recently held Local Government Elections, some International Observes visited various polling stations of their choice in all the four Provinces. There reports are generally positive. However some complaints were pointed out and observations were made which are being examined and analyzed in the Election Commission and appropriate actions on their observations and recommendations will be taken in due course in accordance with law.
2. The Secretary Election Commission referred to various steps taken by Mr. Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, Acting Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan for conduct of fair and transparent elections to the Local Government Institutions. He said that the Election Commission made all necessary arrangements for smooth conduct of polling. About 900,000 officials were engaged for duty at polling stations. Separate polling booths with female polling staff were provided for women voters. Where it was possible, exclusive female polling stations were set up.
3. The Secretary Election Commission further stated that the Chief Election Commissioner took serious note of some reports regarding preventing women from participating in the election process. This had salutary effect and a large number of women filed their nomination papers from culturally backward areas. Even after elections were held, on receipt of reports from the District Returning Officers that in some areas women were prevented from casting their votes, re-polling was ordered by the Chief Election Commissioner in such Union Councils where women were forcibly prevented for casting votes. Code of Conduct approved by the Election Commission was by and large adhered to. Chief Election Commissioner took cognizance of all violations of the Code of Conduct reported to him. He also authorized district Returning Officers to take immediate remedial steps to redress grievances of the candidates in accordance with law. Ban was imposed on transfers/postings of civil officers in order to ensure that elections are held in a fair and transparent manner. All transfers made in violation of the ban were cancelled and withdrawn under the orders of the Chief Election Commissioner.
4. Mr. Dilshad said that the Chief Election Commissioner, on receipt of a complaint, directed Government of Sindh to allocate additional minority seats in the Union Councils where population of minority communities was more than 10%. Accordingly on the basis of population 133 additional seats for minority community were allocated in different districts of Sindh Province.
5. The National and International media including all private channels highlighted all the activities of Local Government Elections, 2005 on large scale. Generally arrangements made by Election Commission were appreciated by them.