In a clear sign of Pakistan moving closer to holding elections, theElection Commission of Pakistan (ECP) extended invitations to internationalobservers and media on Wednesday, with the aim of enhancing the”credibility” of the electoral process.
In a two-page invitation, the ECP outlined the procedure for internationalobservers and media to obtain accreditation cards and visas for entry intothe country. This invitation has been issued under Section 238 of theElections Act, 2017.
The ECP noted, “The Election Commission has tentatively scheduled theGeneral Election for the last week of January 2024. The Election Commissionof Pakistan has an Open Door Policy for accrediting both national andinternational observers, subject to the fulfillment of the requiredformalities as per Section 238 of the Elections Act 2017.”
It’s worth noting that the law explicitly states that observers must not beadmitted until they have received proper accreditation, which is grantedafter thorough scrutiny of relevant documents and security clearances.Regarding the visa application process, the ECP explained that it can beobtained through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Pakistan Online Portal.”
Applicants interested in coming to Pakistan for the elections must alsosubmit the “accreditation application form” available on the ECP’s website.Upon completing the necessary formalities in accordance with the law, theECP will issue accreditation cards to internationally cleared observers andmedia.
The commission will also provide briefings for observers at the ECPSecretariat and advise them to follow guidelines provided by the ForeignOffice and the interior ministry. The ECP expressed its belief that thepresence of international observers will significantly contribute to thetransparency and impartiality of the electoral process, thereby lendingcredibility to Pakistan’s democratic proceedings.
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The commission hopes that international observers and media will provide apositive and valuable contribution during this significant event inPakistan’s democratic history. Pakistan has experienced politicaluncertainty since the removal of the Imran Khan government through ano-confidence motion in April 2022.
A coalition government that assumed power after Khan’s removal dissolvedthe National Assembly in August. The ECP was subsequently tasked withholding elections within 90 days, which meant the polls should haveoccurred no later than November 6.
However, the ECP stated that redrawing electoral boundaries wasconstitutionally required following the approval of the census by theCouncil of Common Interest (CCI), making it impossible to hold electionswithin the stipulated timeframe. Major political parties, including thePakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), calledon the ECP to hold elections at the earliest to address the prevailinguncertainty in the country.
The United States and the United Kingdom have also advocated for free,fair, and timely elections in Pakistan. In September, the ECP alleviatedsome uncertainty by announcing its intention to conduct elections in thelast week of January.