EU opposes Pakistan’s current electoral reforms process

Source: 
The News
Publication date: 
Feb 11 2016

Chief Observer For Elections Mission Michael Gahler advises against electronic voting, biometric verification and voting rights to overseas Pakistanis; recommends CEC’s appointment through two-thirds majority; deploys an electoral follow-up mission to Pakistan to assess reforms process

 

ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) has opposed electronic voting, bio-metric verification and granting of voting rights to Overseas Pakistanis for next general elections under much needed electoral reforms.

The EU also recommends appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) through two/third majority of the Parliament in order to ensure independent Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

“We will advise against electronic voting, bio-metric verification of voters and granting right of voting to Overseas Pakistanis living abroad mainly because of use of technology cannot substitute for having professional and independent Election Commission,” the EU’s Chief Observer for Elections Mission Michael Gahler told a select group of reporters here on Wednesday.

The EU has deployed an Electoral Follow-up Mission to Pakistan to assess the current electoral reform process and the extent to which previous EU election-related recommendations have been addressed. 

He said that different model could be considered for appointment of CEC through two/third majority of Parliament or 60 percent voting of Parliamentarians or extending tenure of CEC for 10 years more than the term of five years for the Parliament. 

The EU’s Mission Chief cited examples of many countries including Namibia, Tunisia and others where the use of technology failed to deliver the desired results. 

When asked about successful electronic voting held in India’s last general elections, he said that New Delhi did not allow them to observe its capability to hold these elections but he seriously doubted about their capacity where loadshedding was known phenomena.

“The Electoral Reform Committee of Parliament is in process of proposing draft law package under which seven different laws will be converted into one in order to make it more credible and transparent,” he added.

He said the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms was unanimous on evolving consensus on recommendations except three issues including electronic voting, bio-metric verification and granting voting rights to overseas Pakistanis.

He said the Elections Tribunals should be given tough deadline of 2 to 3 weeks to take a decision on complaint. He proposed that if the tribunals failed to give its verdict then the complaint would stand valid. “I can guarantee that this mechanism will result into announcing decision by the Election Tribunal (ET) within the deadline,” he added. 

He said the population census if held on time in coming March in the country then the legislation package for next elections should not be linked with delimitation of constituencies.

The findings of the Mission will also be considered when deciding future EU support and activities in Pakistan, including potential support to the electoral reform process and deployment of an Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the next general elections. 

The deployment of the Electoral Follow-up Mission demonstrates the EU's strong commitment to support implementation of EOM recommendations for more inclusive, credible and transparent elections.

The Electoral Follow-up Mission is led by Michael Gahler, member of the European Parliament, who also led the 2008 and 2013 EU EOMs to Pakistan. The Mission met with the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms, Chief Election Commissioner, Chair of the Senate, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Chair of Nadra, political party leaders and civil society representatives.

The Mission welcomed the establishment and the ongoing work of a Parliamentary Committee dedicated to reforming election legislation. It also appreciates the increasing initiatives made by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)with regards to training, monitoring and promoting women’s participation. The Mission is also encouraged to see that competitive local elections have been held.

However the Mission is aware of a number of shortcomings in the local elections including inadequate legal frameworks, reduced transparency, lack of confidence in the work of returning officers, and weak mechanisms for legal remedy. Such problems show the urgent need for election reform to avoid uncertainty, conflict or instability in the next general elections.

“For election reform to be effective, time is needed for implementation that begins well before the next election is called. Inclusive and transparent reform processes help build confidence in elections and their results. Well run elections are in everyone’s interest and can only help Pakistan’s prosperity”, said Michael Gahler.

The EU’s GSP+ agreement with Pakistan for preferential trade arrangements requires implementation of international conventions, which include inter alia obligations regarding electoral processes. The EU therefore trusts that Pakistani authorities will fulfill their commitments to improving elections and political participation. This includes adequate legal reform, stronger ECP performance and transparency, improved opportunities for legal remedy,and increased participation of women and minorities.

Michael Gahler emphasised, “Now is the time for reform decisions and actions. Further delays to reform risk problems recurring and undermining the next general elections. These problems can be avoided if parties and institutions show decisive leadership at this crucial time.”