Independent observer monitoring Pakistan elections highlight grey areas in poll process
Pakistan elections on Saturday highlighted various grey areas in the recently held polls, noting the failure of presiding officers in providing Form 45 to observers at 29 per cent of the polling stations. Form 45, commonly referred to as the «Result of the Count» form, is a crucial record in the Pakistani electoral process which is intended to uphold openness and accountability by documenting and disclosing the outcomes of the voting procedure at a particular polling place.
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) spokesperson Musarrat Qadeem, quoting the initial report on the election, in a press conference said: «The failure to display copies of Form 45, as required, in 29 per cent of polling stations was a notable oversight.»
Qadeem also criticised the delay in the release of poll results and the suspension of internet and mobile services on election day.
She asserted that the complaints about elections should be addressed.
«The Election Commission must promptly address and resolve candidates' complaints as timely resolution is crucial for maintaining electoral credibility,» she added.
Qadeem said the turnout was 48 per cent. «Despite these challenges, over 50 million voters participated in the February 8 elections,» she said.
She also said the elections were transparent at the level of polling stations but expressed doubts about fairness at the stage of compiling results by returning officers (ROs).
Qadeem also commended the Election Commission of
