Civil society demands investigation of election rigging allegations

Islamabad: Pakistan’s general election of 8th February has lost its credibility entirely as the national and international community including the UN have been demanding thorough probe.

The confession of Liaqat Ali Chattha, Commissioner of Rawalpindi Division, of rigging – declaring losers as winners in the whole division has further deepened the uncertainty in the country, says a statement issued by PATTAN-Coailition38 – a largest, an independent and self-financed election observation body that observed the elections 2024.

The statement issued by the coalition supported the demand for thorough and holistic investigation of the conduct of election from delimitation of constituencies to the announcement of the election results as well as denying election symbol to PTI, selection and appointment of DROs and ROs, suspension of internet and cellular services on the polling day, preparation and tampering of Form 47s and unexplainable delays in the announcement of results etc.

“We strongly demand to start audit of Form 47 in light of Form 45s of each constituency under the supervision of Session Judges and in the presence of candidates/election agents, independent observers and media persons. In order to prevent further controversy, we suggest to make arrangements for providing live coverage to the whole process. This will also enhance peoples’ trust and confidence in democratic elections.”

Moreover, the statement demanded immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner saying that he has miserably failed at each phase of the conduct of election. “It is worth to remind that under the Article 218 of Pakistan’s Constitution the Election Commission is responsible to hold free, fair, just, honest and transparent election. He has miserably failed us. Therefore, in his presence as CEC, the proposed audit of Form 47s and Form 45s can’t be held.”

Sharing its observation of the electoral process, the coalition noted that rigging at each step of the election was likely to be part of a grand strategy. "Therefore, it appears necessary to investigate the role of its authors, the implementers and who are the possible beneficiaries." Finally, it mentions that whistle blowing policy demands complete protection to the whistle-blowers as it helps build peoples’ trust in democracy, rule of law, and helps control corrupt practices. "We note with deep concern that the Caretaker government instead of providing full protection to the whistle blower has taken him into custody." The statement strongly condemned the harassment and arrests of the whistle-blowers.