ISLAMABAD (Dunya News/Web Desk) – As general elections are getting nearer amid the delay caused by the delimitation process, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have invited foreign media persons and election observers to monitor the process.
In this connection, the ECP has maintained an open-door policy. However, it made it clear that no member of any political party would be registered as election observer.
The eligibility criteria shared by the Pakistan’s top electoral body includes submission of all personal details and related documents.
Moreover, the aspirants are also required to present an authority letter issued by the organisations they represent.
However, every foreign journalist and observer will require security clearance from Pakistani government.
Election observers and media from other nations and international organisations, like the European Union, are considered a basic requirement to determine whether the election process – before, during and after polling – was fair and transparent.
That’s why the latest move by the ECP shows the determination on its part to ensure holding free and fair elections in the country.
Pakistan expects general elections in late January as announced earlier by the ECP. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a petition through which the delay in polls while ignoring the 90-day limit has been questioned.
However, the ECP hasn’t so far announced a final date for holding general elections – resulting in criticism by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and other senior party leaders.
But political parties have already slowly started to informally launch their election campaign. The return and historic reception of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif – the three-time prime minister – is part of the that.