BRUSSELS: According to Michael Gahler, the Head of the Election Observation Mission of the EU Parliament, there is uncertainty regarding the general elections scheduled in Pakistan for 2023. He has stated that the EU may not send election observers to Pakistan this year due to the uncertainty.
He met with a group of Pakistani journalists visiting Belgium upon the invitation of the European External Action Service. Gahler has been a member of the EU Parliament since 1999. Gahler also headed the Election Observation Mission in Pakistan in 2008, 2013, and 2018.
He stated that they require an invitation from the Government of Pakistan at least three months before the election date. However, they have not yet received any invitation from Pakistan, which has led to uncertainty regarding the EU’s participation in election monitoring this year.
According to Michael Gahler, based on his understanding, elections in Pakistan should take place in October 2023. However, he mentioned that currently, there are no indications or concrete plans for an election in the country. Consequently, it would not be feasible to send an observation mission. Next year, there may be a possibility of sending an expert mission if elections are scheduled. Nonetheless, the Government of Pakistan requires an invitation for even a small expert mission.
Michael Gahler clarified that the observation mission always visits Pakistan upon the invitation of the government and the election commission. They require an invitation to make necessary arrangements for their visit. They encountered delays in receiving visas, and the authorities did not grant their teams access to polling stations, restricting their ability to observe the process closely.
While Gahler did not provide specific details on the reasons behind the establishment’s support for Imran Khan, he mentioned that Khan was removed from power through a no-confidence motion in parliament, which was legally conducted. He emphasized the importance of allowing Imran Khan’s party to participate in the upcoming elections without any hindrances.
Gahler also stressed the importance of the Election Commission of Pakistan playing a neutral role. It is tasked with the constitutional requirements to ensure that elections are conducted timely.
