Safe Elections: Possible or Impossible in 2024?
GHRTV
05-12-2023
Angelique van der Burgh
Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has signaled it is not able to provide a safe environment for the elections to be held on February 8th, 2024 [1]. The ECP has reached out to several organizations seeking assistance for the elections. First and foremost, the ECP sought assistance from Pakistan's Armed forces, to ensure the safety of voters and the election process [1]. The ability to conduct elections is further weakened by the lack of personnel in polling stations [1]. Secondly, the ECP has requested assistance from the European Union (EU) [2]. However, due to the late request, the EU is not able to send a full observation mission to Pakistan [2]. Instead, the EU can send a small mission of experts to visit Pakistan for these elections [2]. The EU urges Pakistan to call on other organizations and international observers to aid in the elections [2]. Whether Pakistan does so, and whether it will receive assistance still needs to be observed.
The Pakistani government aims to provide a safe environment for the upcoming elections. The Pakistani government is acting in response to the increasing violence and terror attacks within the state. Pakistan has experienced a 34 percent increase in anti-state violence in the last month [3]. Most recently, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) killed at least six people, including four children [3].
The increase in anti-state violence puts the conduct of safe elections at risk. The response of the Pakistani government has been to increase funds and request assistance from organizations, both within and outside of Pakistan. Attention should be paid to how the Pakistani government aims to provide safe elections, and which international bodies will aid in doing so.
Sources and further readings:
[1] https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/12/04/ecp-seeks-armys-assistance-for-general-elections/
[2] https://www.geo.tv/latest/521553-eu-not-to-send-full-election-observation-mission-for-feb-8-polls
