The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to make public the decisions of Returning Officers (ROs) regarding objections to nomination papers.
FAFEN emphasised that the publication of these decisions on the ECP's website will contribute to a clearer understanding of the electoral process and strengthen the democratic framework.
Section 62 (11) of Elections Act
FAFEN's appeal is grounded in Section 62 (11) of the Elections Act, 2017, which mandates ROs to endorse their decisions on each nomination paper and record brief reasons for acceptance or rejection.
Despite the absence of explicit provisions for publicising these decisions, FAFEN argues that the ECP, under Section 4(3) of the Act, possesses the authority to take measures ensuring honest, just, and fair elections while combating corrupt practices.
ECP's crucial role in mitigating disinfo
Citing statistics from the electoral watchdog, FAFEN notes a rejection rate of approximately 12.4% of candidates' nomination papers during the scrutiny process for the upcoming General Elections.
By sharing ROs' decisions, the ECP has the opportunity to empower citizens to comprehend the rationale behind these rejections, fostering informed opinions and mitigating potential misinformation and disinformation.
Reinforcing electoral transparency
FAFEN believes that the disclosure of ROs' decisions will not only reinforce the transparency of the electoral process but will also act as a safeguard to its credibility.
The move aims to counter the proliferation of misinformation often stemming from incomplete information and ensure citizens' confidence in the integrity of the democratic process.
Scrutiny process insights
According to ECP statistics, the rejection rate during the scrutiny process for the upcoming General Elections stands at 12.4%, slightly higher than the General Elections of 2018 (10.4%) but lower than those in 2013 (14.6%).
The comparative analysis provides context to the current scrutiny process and raises questions about the evolving dynamics of candidate scrutiny over the years.
Ensuring compliance with electoral laws
FAFEN highlights Section 62(9) of the Elections Act 2017, outlining the grounds on which ROs may reject nomination papers.
However, the organization emphasised the need for the ECP to scrutinize whether these provisions have been strictly complied with, and if not, to exercise its powers under Section 55 to address non-compliance issues.
Additionally, the ECP is urged to review orders passed by officers under the Act or the Rules, as provided in Section 8(e) of the Elections Act.
