FAFEN observed polling processes at a maximum of 38,274 polling stations and 31,337 polling booths spanning over 263 National Assembly constituencies as a part of its election day observations. The exercise yielded observations of a total 71,397 irregularities and violations in the day's proceedings. These observations were recorded on standardized observation checklists designed to document polling irregularities as well as significant events and incidents affecting the process.
The ECP constituted 14 tribunals across the country to redress election-related complaints of contesting candidates. For the first time in Pakistan’s electoral history, the judges heading these tribunals include retired eligible judges instead of serving high court judges (except for the tribunal in Quetta which is being headed by a serving judge of Balochistan High Court). Earlier, the existing workload of judges would restrict the proceedings of the tribunals and the cases would often continue for years. By appointing retired judges, the ECP has removed the existing workload from the tribunals’ schedules, making it easier to resolve the cases within 120 days stipulated by Section 67(1A) of the Representation of the People Act 1976. The day count starts when the tribunals receive petitions from the ECP.
FAFEN, the leading civil society network covering issues of election and governance, achieved its own landmark in implementing the largest citizen observation exercise to date. FAFEN observed 2013 general elections in Pakistan and compiled a detail report on National Assembly Election Results Analysis using Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT). The findings of the observation, both on-field and desk, are compiled in a series of reports covering all aspects of the 2013 National Assembly general elections. One of several, this report focuses on the election results and their historical and comparative significance at the constituency level.
Only forty percent (152 of 379) of the post-election petitions were decided by the election tribunals by December 31, 2013, with the tribunals falling behind the legally stipulated time of 120 days for the disposal of petitions in at least 181 cases. The election results were officially notified on May 22, 2013, after which the candidates had until July 6 (45 days) to submit petitions with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). There were 14 tribunals constituted across the country to redress election-related complaints by the contesting candidates. The commission received a total of 406 petitions.
Only One-fourth (95 of 373) post-election petitions have been decided by the Election Tribunals by October 31, 2013 with Election Tribunals falling behind the legally stipulated time of 120 days for the disposal of a petition in at least 18 cases. The election results were officially notified on May 22 after which the candidates had the time (45 days) until July 6 to submit petitions with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). There were 14 tribunals constituted across the country to redress election-related complaints by the contesting candidates. The commission received 406 petitions in all.
The election results were officially notified on May 22, meaning the candidates had until July 6 to submit petitions with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) constituted 14 tribunals (13 working) across the country to redress election related complaints of contesting candidates. The commission received 402 petitions in all, according to media reports. FAFEN has deployed 18 trained non-partisan lawyers to observe the proceedings in the tribunals set up by the ECP. By September 30, these tribunals had received and heard at least 339 petitions related to national and provincial assemblies. Many of the petitions filed with the ECP have been done so on multiple grounds and have sought more than one relief.
ISLAMABAD, August 23, 2013: Citizens’ interest appeared to have dwindled in an otherwise peaceful and better managed by-election, notwithstanding procedural irregularities, that took place in...
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) issued three short statements on Election Day, May 11, 2013, and a preliminary statement and report the day after the elections. The following report includes additional analysis of summary data received from more than 40,000 observers across the country. The ten themes in this report include voter turnout, barriers to women's voting, irregularities in polling stations during voting and counting procedures, and weak election results management. The report also includes sections on last-minute changes in polling schemes; pre-election violence, government interference and Code of Conduct violations; and constituency delimitations.
FAFEN observers recorded a total of 6,102 Code of Conduct violations. Of these, 30 were speeches arousing controversy or making personal attacks on rival candidates. Observers reported one incident of action against women voters and five incidents against female candidates. Other observed violations include the use of loudspeakers (512 instances), rallies causing inconvenience (227), illegal voter inducement (171), weapons display (130), and aerial firing/fireworks (40).
ISLAMABAD, May 9, 2013: Free and Fair Election Network’s (FAFEN) Long-Term Observers interviewed Returning Officers (ROs), District Returning Officers (DROs) and District Election Commissioners (DECs) in 48 constituencies and 35 districts, regarding their meetings with election stakeholders at district and constituency levels. These meetings, we believe, are essential for security and logistical planning and to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the administration of the elections says Pre-Election Update 41 released on Thursday.
