After observing the flaws in the recent local government (LG) elections in Sindh and analyzing its negative impact on the country’s political actors, the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFN) on Friday asked political parties Demanded to start comprehensive negotiations immediately. On addressing the weaknesses in the existing legal framework for the upcoming general elections.
In a statement, Fafan said that until political parties put aside their differences to maintain democracy and protect its integrity through free, fair and transparent elections, the country will remain in the grip of political instability which will have a negative impact on an already weak economy. .
The statement suggesting the reforms came out during the recent local elections in Sindh. Held on 15th January. – Widely observed Allegations Regarding rigging and inordinate delay in results by major political parties
FAFEN also observed. Widespread polarization between political parties on the issue of electoral process and termed it against the basic principles of democracy as it undermines public confidence in the system.
“With only seven months left for the current National Assembly (NA), Fafan sees it as an opportune time for political parties to make necessary changes in the electoral framework that can guarantee free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections. “, said. Election Supervisor
For the upcoming general elections, the watchdog proposed the formation of a cross-chamber multi-party parliamentary committee.
It said parties need to decide on a mechanism to facilitate voting by overseas Pakistanis, either through postal ballots or reservation of special seats for overseas Pakistanis.
Suggesting improvements in the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), FAFEN added that as a condition for the integrity of election results, the ECP should be legally mandated to verify the results prior to the notification of winners. Actions will be equally important. as well as to minimize post-election litigation.
Fafan highlighted the growing role of social media in illicit financing, saying: “Electoral systems in Pakistan are facing emerging challenges as the growing role of social media has opened up new avenues for the use of money. opened. In the form of third-party financing of political campaigns in elections, including through sources prohibited by law.”
FAFEN proposal
Assuming that the elections are constitutionally scheduled for October 11, otherwise political understanding, Faffen urged the political parties to agree on a minimum, common and absolutely necessary agenda for reform, including The following may include important areas that require immediate attention. Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
Effective checks on political finance
It said that political parties need to build a consensus on strengthening the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017 on the use of money in elections.
In the absence of existing checks on electoral expenditure there is little or no significance:
I) A clear definition of election expenditure specifying the period during which an expenditure shall be treated as election expenditure.
II) consideration of third-party financial support in the form of donations, and material support as expenses incurred by the candidate unconditionally;
III) Mandatory scrutiny of election expenditure of candidates by ECP;
IV) any penal consequences for falsifying or withholding information in the return of expenditure;
V) limits on financing political parties’ election campaigns; And
VI) Legal mechanism to control direct election expenditure by candidates or political parties or their supporters using online means and social media. The proposed committee should consider strengthening the relevant sections of the Elections Act, 2017, particularly Sections 136 and 211, which deal with ECP proceedings on election expenses of candidates and campaign finance by political parties.
Election-specific regulation of social media
FAFEN’s statement also highlighted the absence of a legal framework to regulate online political campaigning, advertising, fundraising, and third-party financing.
“This remains a challenge to the integrity of the electoral process as well as its results, all of which have implications for the electoral process and voter choice.”
It said that existing regulations and campaign expenditure limits do not adequately cover social media campaigning and spending by political actors inside or outside the country.
“…without political contenders agreeing on the extent and means of regulation on social media, the coming election could see more complex disputes than ever before in the nation’s electoral history.”
Improved monitoring of results management
The election watchdog added: “Political parties need to create provisions in the Elections Act, 2017 for greater control of the ECP in managing election results, from polling stations to consolidation with executive and judicial support.” It is done by qualified officials. Steps.”
It said the law should be amended to mandate the Election Commission to scrutinize constituency-specific election documents and forms including the entire result trail before final notification of returning candidates.
Fafan also remarked that such scrutiny “will help reduce post-election disputes and reflect the spirit of the Constitution and the law that requires the ECP to act as the overseer of the process.” “
Voting abroad facility
Making suggestions about overseas voters, it said several Supreme Court judgments and political parties asked Parliament and the ECP to “secure, reliable and efficient” systems to enable overseas voting. Take steps to implement the procedure.
“However, no such legal agreement could be reached between the political parties. In the absence of a reliable technical solution, extending the right to postal ballot to overseas Pakistani voters may be a viable idea. Consideration should also be given to facilitating the voting of displaced persons, citizens who live in other cities for work, through postal ballot,” FAFEN added.
Representation of reserved seats for women
Fafan also noted the underrepresentation of women, stating that “currently, reserved seats in the national and provincial assemblies are held by women in 27 percent of Pakistan’s 136 districts, representing over two-thirds of the districts.” has not happened” and suggested that “distribution of provincial quotas for specific seats among administrative divisions may help to address this geographical imbalance.”