Foreign Election Observers
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reportedly extended the visa application deadline for foreign election observers, on Wednesday. Sources reveal that the ECP has formally communicated this extension to the foreign ministry through a letter, emphasizing the importance of international observer participation in the upcoming polls.
According to the communication, the visa application deadline has been prolonged by 15 days, spanning from December 15 to December 31. The motive behind this extension, as per sources, is to facilitate and ensure the active involvement of international observers in the forthcoming elections.
It is worth noting that on October 25, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had initially issued invitations to foreign election observers, promoting an ‘open door policy’ for both domestic and international observers in the interest of electoral transparency.
The ECP, in a statement, outlined the mandatory accreditation process for foreign observers, specifying that accreditation must be obtained from the election commission upon their arrival in Pakistan. The observers were directed to submit their details through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ‘Pakistan Online Portal’ for visa issuance.
Notably, individuals with political affiliations were disqualified from receiving accreditation, as clarified by the ECP. Additionally, foreign election observers were required to undergo a security clearance process.
In the broader context of the upcoming general elections, the ECP formally announced the polling date as February 8, 2024. The Commission issued a notification in accordance with Section 57 of the Election Act, citing the Supreme Court’s order as the basis for scheduling the general elections on the specified date. This move aligns with the ECP’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections, with transparent observer participation playing a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
