The Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) has reported serious concerns regarding the November 23 by-elections, noting recurring violations of campaigning rules and significant gaps in results transparency. Although the polls were described as “largely well-managed,” the elections monitor highlighted several weaknesses that affected the overall quality of the process.
Fafen Flags Violations, Low Turnout, and Poor Enforcement of Rules
In the by-elections for six National Assembly seats — five in Punjab and one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — the PML-N secured nearly 64% of all votes and won every seat. These constituencies, except one, were vacated following the disqualification of PTI lawmakers. The party also dominated the Punjab Assembly by-elections, winning six out of seven seats with 82.41% of the polled vote.
Despite smooth logistical management, Fafen stated the polls were marred by repeated violations of campaigning restrictions, low voter turnout, and transparency concerns. The monitor noted turnout dropped by 23% among both men and women, with only one constituency recording more than 50% participation.
Fafen’s report pointed out weak enforcement of election rules. At 238 polling stations, a total of 465 party camps were found operating illegally near voting areas. Transportation services for voters were observed at 184 polling stations, while party workers issued voter slips at 216 locations. Campaign material was found inside 16 polling stations, highlighting a lack of proper oversight.
Accessibility for women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and transgender voters remained inconsistent despite basic facilities being available at most polling stations.
Results Transparency, Polling Practices, and Observer Access Raise Concerns
Fafen applauded the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for training efforts, noting that 89% of presiding officers, 79% of assistant presiding officers, and 77% of polling officers received official training. Ballot security was generally strong; 98% of booths had all seals intact, and secrecy screens were properly placed at 96% of booths.
However, the organisation highlighted procedural lapses. Polling officers did not announce required voter details at 25% of booths, and some eligible voters were turned away due to expired NICs. Assistant presiding officers pre-signed ballot papers at 29% of booths and pre-stamped them at 28%, practices that are not illegal but may increase the risk of misuse.
Transparency issues were a major concern. Fafen reported that Form 45 (Result of the Count) was not provided to polling agents at 8% of polling stations and was not shared with observers at 17%. It was also not posted outside 19% of stations. Similar gaps were noted for Form 46 (Ballot Paper Account).
Additionally, at 43% of polling stations, presiding officers did not ask polling agents to sign result forms, a crucial requirement for ensuring transparency.
Despite these shortcomings, 97% of polling agents interviewed during voting expressed satisfaction, and all 137 agents interviewed after counting reported confidence in the process.
Fafen deployed 122 trained observers who monitored 373 polling stations and 1,088 polling booths, conducting interviews with polling staff, security officials, and 833 polling agents to compile the report.
