The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken a significant step towards holding elections in January, inviting international observers and media to monitor the electoral process, ensuring transparency and fairness.
In a two-page invitation, the ECP, in accordance with the Elections Act of 2017, outlined the procedure for international observers and media to obtain accreditation cards and visas for the upcoming nationwide elections.
The ECP indicated that the General Election is tentatively planned for the last week of January 2024. They stated, “The Election Commission of Pakistan has an Open Door Policy for accreditation of any national and international Observer subject to the fulfillment of codal formalities (Section 238 of the Elections Act 2017).”
According to the law, observers can only monitor the polls after obtaining accreditation, which will be issued following the necessary document submissions and security clearance.
In terms of visa application, the ECP specified that it can be acquired through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Pakistan Online Portal.” In addition to the visa application, those interested in coming to Pakistan for the elections must attach the “accreditation application form,” available on the ECP’s website.
The commission stated, “After completion of codal formalities as per law, ECP will issue accreditation cards to security-cleared international observers/media and arrange briefings for observers in ECP Secretariat.” It also encouraged observers to follow the advisories of the Foreign Office and the interior ministry.
The ECP expressed the belief that the presence of international observers would enhance the electoral process’s transparency and impartiality, lending credibility to Pakistan’s democratic process. They assured that all necessary arrangements would be made to facilitate the effective and independent duties of international observers during this crucial event in Pakistan’s democratic history.
Political uncertainty has loomed over the country since the removal of the Imran Khan government through a no-confidence motion in April 2022. Following the dissolution of the National Assembly by the coalition government that took over, the ECP faced the constitutional obligation to hold elections within 90 days, meaning the polls should have taken place no later than November 6. However, the ECP cited the need to redraw boundaries after the approval of the census by the Council of Common Interest (CCI), making it impossible to hold elections within the stipulated time frame.
Major political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), called on the ECP to conduct the elections promptly to address the ongoing uncertainty in the country.
Both the United States and the United Kingdom have also urged free, fair, and timely elections in Pakistan. In September, the Election Commission brought a degree of closure to the uncertainty by announcing the plan to hold elections in the last week of January.
