A report from Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) has highlighted significant inefficiencies within the Election Commission, revealing that the tribunals intended to resolve electoral disputes have been largely ineffective up to August 17, 2024.
Fafen report highlights that out of 23 election tribunals, only 11 have addressed 25 of 377 filed petitions over six months, despite constitutional and legal mandates requiring decisions within 180 days.
The report details challenges to election results by major political parties. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lodged complaints regarding 76 National Assembly, 72 Punjab Assembly, 25 Sindh Assembly, and 13 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly seats.
In contrast, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) contested the results in 9 National Assembly and 22 Punjab Assembly seats. In total, PTI challenged 188 constituencies, while PML-N contested 33.
According to the Fafen report, the most substantial number of cases, totalling 121, were filed against PML-N candidates, involving 43 National Assembly and 64 Punjab Assembly seats. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) also contested the outcomes in 16 National Assembly and 28 provincial seats.
Read: FAFEN Report: Number of PTI Petitioners in Election Tribunals Revealed
In contrast, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) challenged the results of 15 National Assembly, 15 Sindh Assembly, and 8 Punjab Assembly seats.
