FAFEN Flags Transparency Gaps, Alarming Low Turnout in November 23 By-Elections

Islamabad: The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has released its report on the by-elections held on November 23, highlighting both procedural strengths and serious concerns.

According to the FAFEN report, the by-elections were generally well-organized, and observers found the polling processes at booths to be orderly and peaceful. However, the report also pointed to repeated violations of election campaign rules, transparency gaps in results, and an alarmingly low voter turnout.

FAFEN stated that weak enforcement of campaign restrictions remained a persistent issue. Observers reported that around 465 party camps were seen near 238 monitored polling stations, and voters were provided transportation at 184 locations—both practices that undermine election regulations.

The report noted that ballot box security was largely satisfactory, with 98% of observed booths having all four seals intact, and 96% having secrecy screens properly installed. Assistant presiding officers were also found adhering to the correct ballot issuance procedures.

However, FAFEN highlighted irregular practices that could raise concerns about ballot misuse. At 29% of observed booths, presiding officers had pre-signed ballot papers, while at 28% of booths ballot papers were pre-stamped—actions that are not illegal but can heighten risks of misuse.

Regarding result transparency, the report revealed that presiding officers at six monitored polling stations did not provide Form-45 to polling agents. At 19% of stations, Form-45 was not displayed outside, and at another 19%, Form-46 was withheld from agents. Additionally, presiding officers at 43% of observed stations did not obtain signatures from polling agents on result forms.

FAFEN described the voter turnout as “disturbingly low,” with overall turnout for both men and women recorded at just 23%. Only one constituency reported turnout above 50%.

Despite these issues, 97% of polling agents expressed satisfaction with the polling process, and all 137 agents interviewed after counting were satisfied with the count.

The report underscores the need for stronger enforcement of election laws and improved result transparency to ensure greater public trust in future electoral processes.