The Commonwealth Observer Group, COG, for Pakistan’s 2024 elections has released its final report, outlining areas for improvement and making recommendations to strengthen the independence of democratic institutions.
The 13-member COG, chaired by Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Jonathan, was convened by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at the invitation of the Election Commission of Pakistan, ECP.
The group assessed conditions for a level playing field, Pakistan’s compliance with domestic and international electoral standards, and the transparency and inclusiveness of the process, including media rights and freedoms.
In its review, the COG noted the shutdown of cellular services on the night of the general elections, which reduced transparency and hindered the timely transmission of results.
While warning that this may have “impinged on the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process,” the group commended the ECP’s efforts on inclusivity.
It praised the commission’s Gender and Social Inclusion Wing, which helped reduce the voter registration gender gap from 12 per cent in 2013 to 7.7 per cent, and acknowledged the establishment of a gender hotline for reporting election-related harassment, which also boosted youth voter participation.
Despite challenges, the report stressed that “the potential of Pakistan’s democracy is enormous,” citing its diverse media, vibrant youth and women, and the role of civil society organisations in advocating for improvements.
The COG recommended reforms in election administration, political rights legislation, women’s participation, pre-election campaigns, and media regulation.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey pledged the Secretariat’s support to “strengthen democracy in Pakistan for the benefit of all its people,” thanking the observers for their work and confirming ongoing engagement with Pakistan’s government and electoral institutions to advance the recommendations.
Commonwealth observers release final report on Pakistan elections