Have an in-depth look at elections in Pakistan – from historical background to vital statistics to efforts that help make polls free and fair for an uninterrupted and dynamic democratic culture. Find out how you can become a voter and play your part in strengthening democracy.
Elections in Pakistan have been dogged by controversy, coupled with lack of efforts to understand the whole process and recommend ways to make them credible.
It was in this background the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) decided to observe the processes involved in conducting elections to be able to understand what is required to make them free and fair.
FAFEN has come a long way from the first step it took in 2006, becoming the first domestic observation effort in Pakistan. It carried out the first audit of the draft voters’ list in 2007 and deployed more than 18,000 trained and neutral Election Day observers to watch February 18, 2008 polls.
With the support and permission of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the network has been facilitating people across Pakistan become voters.
This work has been backed by efforts for electoral reforms based on recommendations finalized in the light of primary data from the election work.
Today Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) is a credible voice on electoral reforms continuing efforts to make polls free and fair.
Methodology
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) deploys trained, non-partisan volunteers for the observation of elections. The observers are accredited by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Observers spent between 45 and 60 minutes in each polling station to document their observations and findings on a standardized checklist based on the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017, the Election Rules 2017, various electoral Codes of Conduct issued by ECP, and instructional handbooks the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has provided to election officials. The observers do not interfere with the working of the election officials and are not allowed to talk to voters.
