Islamabad: A comprehensive review of the pre-election processes leading up to Pakistan’s General Elections 2024 has been released by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), highlighting key observations and analyses. The report, which draws on the efforts of 233 trained long-term observers, provides an in-depth look at several critical aspects of the electoral process, including constituency delimitation, electoral rolls, and the election campaign.

The study meticulously examines the delimitation of 266 National Assembly and 593 Provincial Assembly constituencies, conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistan. It includes an analysis of both draft and final constituency lists, along with feedback from citizens regarding the delimitations.

In assessing the electoral rolls, the report focuses on trends in voter registration, with particular attention to female voter registration, an area of persistent concern in Pakistan’s elections.

The polling scheme, another critical factor, was scrutinized to ensure compliance with legal mandates, specifically looking at the number and distribution of polling stations across the constituencies.

FAFEN’s observers also monitored the nomination and scrutiny processes for contesting candidates, providing insights into candidates’ perceptions of the electoral processes. This was complemented by a detailed documentation of election campaigns, where observers noted several violations of the Election Commission’s Code of Conduct, such as the display of weapons and use of public resources.

Additionally, stakeholder feedback on the performance of election administration and management was collected, offering a glimpse into the effectiveness of election officials in the run-up to the elections.

To gauge public sentiment, FAFEN conducted pre-election surveys with eligible voters, assessing their awareness of the election process and their perceptions of the fairness and integrity of the upcoming elections.