PML-N enjoyed excessive coverage during election campaigns: EU Observer Mission

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Chief of the European Union Observer Mission, Michael Gahler, declared the General Election 2013 better organized than the 2008 polls. The mission released its final report on GE13 on Wednesday which includes observations from 184 constituencies of the National Assembly.

The mission has made 50 recommendations to improve electoral reforms in the country. Gahler said the EU observers discovered that the winning political party, PML-N, received more coverage than any other party during election campaigns.

“Now is the time for the new Parliament, the Election Commission and other stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to democratic Pakistan. Legislation can be further developed and every by-election, as well as local election, is an opportunity for implementing improved practices. In this regard, we have made 50 recommendations that would help provide for fulfillment of citizens’ right to stand as candidates and to vote,” Mr Gahler said.

The recommendations include changes in the constitution and in the primary legislation. The mission has also proposed the establishment of a special parliamentary committee on elections to review and suggest revisions in relevant legislation within the framework of international law commitments.

“The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) takes full responsibility for the administration of the elections, including through management control of the work of Returning Officers (ROs). The ECP fully implement its five-year strategic plan, using the opportunity of any upcoming by-elections and local elections to implement improved practices,” he added.