ISLAMABAD: A new report from the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) provides a detailed examination of election-day processes, highlighting both adherence to and violations of electoral laws. The report draws on data collected by 5,664 trained Election Day Observers (EDOs), who were deployed to monitor procedures at 21,310 polling stations and 61,248 polling booths across 265 National Assembly Constituencies.
The report meticulously documents the environment and arrangements at polling stations, assessing factors such as voter access, information availability, and adherence to election regulations. Instances of violations, including the presence of armed personnel and campaign materials near polling sites, were also recorded.
In addition to the physical setup, the report evaluates the polling process itself. It includes observations on the presence of officials and security, the methods of voter identification, and the mechanisms employed for ballot processing. Interviews conducted with voters and polling agents provided insights into their experiences and levels of satisfaction.
The vote-counting process was observed at 5,215 polling stations, with analyses focusing on the environment, the presence of candidates and their agents, and the compliance with legal requirements. Polling agents were interviewed to assess their satisfaction with how the vote counting was conducted.
The report concludes with an examination of the election result compilation and consolidation at Returning Officers’ offices. It notes when observers were either granted or denied access, providing a comprehensive overview of the transparency and efficiency of the election-day procedures.