The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) has conducted an assessment of the 2024 General Election, revealing a troubling decrease in fairness compared to previous cycles.
The overall fairness score for the 2024 election is 49%, marking a three-point decline from the 2018 General Election. This downward trend in fairness scores since 2013 indicates a concerning erosion of democratic processes in Pakistan, emphasizing the critical need to restore public trust in the electoral system.
PILDAT suggests addressing these challenges by enhancing transparency and accountability measures throughout the electoral process. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is urged to conduct a thorough investigation into observed delays and deficiencies during the 2024 General Election, particularly in result compilation, transmission, and consolidation.
Key findings from the assessment highlight various issues negatively impacting the election quality. During the pre-poll phase, delays in election scheduling, political repression, lack of impartiality from caretaker governments and state institutions, and deteriorating law and order in specific regions were noted. On polling day, the suspension of mobile phone and internet services compromised the Election Management System (EMS) and hindered public participation. Delays in announcing provisional results, allegations of discrepancy between Forms-45 and Form-47, and the delayed publishing of key forms on the ECP website further raised concerns about election credibility.
The assessment is divided into three segments: pre-poll, polling day, and post-poll phases. The pre-poll phase received a fairness score of 50%, indicating persistent issues. The polling day’s voting process score declined to 58% in 2024, while result management stagnated at 40%, emphasizing the need for improvement. Post-poll satisfaction hit a historic low of 40%, reflecting increased public distrust in electoral outcomes.
PILDAT’s recommendations include urging the ECP to enhance transparency and accountability, conduct a thorough investigation into election delays and deficiencies, and consider options such as increasing the number of Election Tribunals or constituting a Commission of Enquiry to address disputes and ensure accountability, transparency, and political stability.
Overall, the assessment underscores the necessity for transparency and accountability to overcome systemic shortcomings and safeguard the integrity of future electoral processes in Pakistan.
To Read the Full Report click the link below:
https://pildat.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ASSESSMENTOFTHEQUALITYOFGENERALELECTION2024.pdf