Dear All,

FAFEN has started Pre-Election Observation from February 1, 2013. Preparations for Elections by various stakeholders and early campaigning in all districts across Pakistan are part of the scope of this observation. Attached is the press release based on our Third Pre-Election Update that covers ‘Postings and Transfers of Public Servants’. Detailed report of the same is also attached with this email.

Regards

FAFEN Pre-Election Update 3

Postings and Transfers Continue Before General Elections

 FAFEN Releases Pre-Election Update 3 on Postings and Transfers of Public Officials

ISLAMABAD, February 17, 2013: As many as 14 cases of transfers and postings of government officials, election staff, police administration and district government officials have been observed in 11 districts across Pakistan, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Pre-Election Update 3.

 

The report is based on the data gathered by FAFEN’s District Long-Term Observers (DLTOs) from four Punjab districts, five districts of Sindh, and two districts of Balochistan during February 1-12, 2013. FAFEN observers are tasked to monitor and report on postings and transfers that may be relevant to the upcoming general elections in any way.

 

A total of five postings and transfers were reported in Sindh in Ghotki, Karachi Central, Kamber Shahdadkot, Tando Allahyar, and Karachi West districts.

 

Four changes in civil servant personnel were noted in Balochistan, including one in Lasbela and three in Panjgur district. Panjgur district reported the most postings or transfers observed in one district.

 

Five postings and transfers were observed in Punjab in the districts of Khanewal (with two postings), Hafizabad, Gujranwala, and Gujrat.

 

Observers report the largest number of appointments of District Election Commissioners (DECs) or Assistant Election Commissioners (AECs) in four districts, including Tando Allahyar, Karachi West, and Kamber Shahdadkot in Sindh, and Lasbela in Balochistan.

 

In the police department, two officials of the rank of Station House Officer (SHO) and District Police Officer (DPO) were appointed in Khanewal in Punjab and Panjgur in Balochistan.

 

Three Executive District Officers (EDOs) Education were posted in Panjgur in Balochistan, Ghotki and Karachi Central in Sindh. A new District Coordination Officer (DCO) was also appointed in Panjgur in Balochistan.

 

One District and Sessions Judge was appointed in Khanewal.  An X-EN of WAPDA in Hafizabad, Tehsil Municipal Officer (TMO) of Aroop Town and Residential Director of Arts Council in Gujranwala, and EDO Works and Services in Gujrat were also appointed in Punjab.

 

FAFEN LTOs monitor and report on the activities of District Election Commissioner (DEC) offices, preparations of elections such as appointment and training of election officials, the process of candidate nominations, and compliance with the ECP’s Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates.  In addition, LTOs observe and report on compliance of the executive branch with legal responsibilities and ECP regulations, including restrictions on transfers of civil service personnel and initiation of new development schemes.  LTOs also monitor political and electoral intimidation and violence, the actions of the police and other security forces, and the overall political environment during the pre-election period.

 

FAFEN LTOs use standardized checklists to report electronically to the FAFEN Election Observation Secretariat in Islamabad regularly. FAFEN compiles data and information from around the country to issue regular thematic updates for the consideration of voters and election stakeholders.