The Free and Fair Election Network has released its observation report for the November 23 by-elections. The report indicates that polling processes were generally well-managed alongside persistent campaign regulation breaches and a significantly decreased voter turnout.
According to FAFEN’s findings, weak enforcement of campaign rules continued as a recurring issue. Observers documented 465 party camps operating near 238 polling stations, with 184 stations showing evidence of voter transportation facilitation.
Party camps issued voter slips at 91% of observed polling locations. Campaign materials were found inside 4% of polling stations, directly violating established electoral protocols.
Most polling stations maintained proper ballot security with required seals intact at 98% of booths. The voting process remained peaceful and organised at 93% of observed locations. Polling staff generally followed established procedures for voter verification and documentation.
However, officials failed to announce voter names and serial numbers at 25% of polling booths. This violated Section 84(4)(a) of the Elections Act, 2017. Additionally, ten booths turned away eligible voters due to expired national identity cards.
FAFEB By Election Results Transparency Concerns
The report identified significant gaps in results transparency during the counting phase. Presiding Officers failed to provide the Result of the Count forms (Form 45) to observers at 17% of stations. Moreover, they did not display them outside 19% of polling locations.
Similarly, Ballot Paper Accounts (Form 46) were withheld from observers at 22% of stations. Furthermore, 43% of Presiding Officers neglected to obtain polling agent signatures on result forms.
Read: 65% of Pakistan’s Political Parties Lack Functional Websites : FAFEN
The by-elections experienced a substantial 23% decrease in voter turnout for both male and female voters across most constituencies. Only one constituency recorded participation exceeding 50% of registered voters.
While most polling stations featured basic accessibility infrastructure, arrangements specifically accommodating women, elderly voters, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals remained inconsistent throughout observed locations. Despite these concerns, 97% of polling agents expressed satisfaction with the overall polling process. All interviewed agents reported satisfaction with counting procedures.
