GENERAL ELECTION 2018 - Update-IV

1

GENERAL ELECTION 2018 UPDATE-IV - FAFEN

1. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN)

has been conducting periodic

assessments of the political environment

and the implementation of election-

related laws, rules and regulations since

January 2018, as part of its multi-phase

observation of General Elections (GE)

2018. The purpose of the observation is to

contribute to the evolution of an

election process that is free, fair,

transparent and accountable, in

accordance with the requirements laid

out in the Elections Act, 2017. FAFEN

produces regular updates, information

briefs and reports to provide objective,

impartial and evidence-based

information regarding the quality of

electoral and political processes to the

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP),

political parties, the media, civil society

organizations and citizens.

The General Elections 2018 Update-IV is

based on observation data gathered

systematically from 130 districts by as

many trained and non-partisan District

Coordinators (DCs) during the latter half

of May 2018 (May 16 to May 31). The

information was collected through 731

interviews with representatives of 44

political parties and groups. Update-IV

documents district-level political

alignments and realignments prior to GE

2018, and includes key observation

findings regarding 325 political

gatherings held across the country.

Moreover, based on data gathered

through methodical monitoring of 11

national and regional newspapers, the

Update includes information on

reported incidents of political and

electoral violence, and politically-

motivated advertisements in the press.

Additional observation findings on

postings and transfers ahead of GE 2018,

and allotment of election symbols are

also included.

Interviews with district-level political party representatives suggest that the majority

(90% or 658) of party leaders and workers were able to conduct campaign activities

in an environment free of intimidation and threats whereas 10% (or 73) felt intimidated

by certain actions of political opponents, local influential, police or other Law

Enforcement Agencies. The percentage of interviewed politicians who felt

intimidated increased from 5% in General Election Update-I (covering the period

January to March 2018) to 10% in the current Update. The following graph presents

the trajectory of pre-election intimidation claims by party representatives interviewed

between January and May, 2018.

2. RISING PERCEPTION OF PRE-ELECTION INTIMIDATION

GENERAL ELECTION 2018 Update-IV

May 16 – May 31, 2018

2


Claims of intimidation were largely reported from Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan

during the observation period -- 42 such claims were reported from Sindh followed by

Punjab (23) and Balochistan (8). The following graph shows the regional distribution of

responses by interviewed party representatives:

Interviewees who claimed being harassed or intimidated are largely affiliated with

parties that are not part of the government in their respective provinces. In Punjab,

representatives of the opposition parties Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim

League (PML), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah

(TLY) claimed that they were intimated by the police and the Punjab’s government.

In Sindh, representatives of MQM Pakistan, Mohajir Qoumi Movement, Pakistan Muslim

League – Functional (PML-F), PTI, Jamiat Ulema-e Islam (F) (JUI-F) and Sindh United

Party (SUP) claimed to be intimidated by their political opponents and police, while

at least 13 respondents said that the provincial government pressurized or harassed

their workers and leaders. In Balochistan, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP, PTI,

JUI-F, Balochistan National Party (BNP), National Party (NP) and Pakistan Muslim

League – Nawaz (PML-N) representatives claimed being harassed police and tribal

influential.

However, in a few cases, representatives of provincial ruling parties also claimed

being intimidated at some places. For instance, representatives of PML-N interviewed

5%

10%11%

10%

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

January to March 2018 April 1 to April 30, 2018 May 1 to May 15, 2018 May 16 to May 31, 2018

Perception of Pre-Election Intimidation

(Trend Jan-May 2018)

Intimidation Claims

0 023

42

8 0

124

33

187

151 157

6

0

50

100

150

200

KhyberPakhtunkhwa

FATA Punjab Sindh Balochistan ICT

Leaders/Workers being Intimidated No Intimidation or Threat Received

3


in Kasur, Lodhran and Pakpattan said they felt intimidated by Law Enforcement

Agencies. Similarly, representatives of PPP – the ruling party in Sindh - claimed being

intimidated in Khairpur and Nawabshah by their political rival and police. Refer to

Annexure-I for a district-wise list of parties whose representatives claimed being

intimidated during the pre-election period.

The majority of party representatives who felt intimidated alleged that influential

persons in their communities used various pressure and harassment tactics, including

direct threats to the lives of opponents and terminations or transfers of the relatives of

political opponents serving in government departments. A small number of party

workers alleged being harassed by the police through registration of fake cases,

reopening of old cases against party leaders or other representatives, and detention

of party workers by police and other agencies.

3. RELATIVELY PEACEFUL ELECTION CAMPAIGN PERIOD

FAFEN’s media monitoring data reveals a total of seven incidents of political and

electoral violence reported during the observation period. In comparison to the first

fortnight of May 2018 when 28 such incidents were reported, the number of incidents

registered a decline during the second half of the month.

The most number of political and electoral violence incidents were reported from

Sindh (five incidents), while one each was reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and

Balochistan.

The incidents included the shooting of a PPP female worker and employee of the

Population Welfare Department in Thatta; injuries to three PML-N workers in Karachi

due to firing at their party office; and the detention of two PPP-Shaheed Bhutto

workers by police over unknown reasons in Khairpur.

Moreover, a former leader of PML-F was injured in a brawl outside his residence in

Hyderabad while a senior PTI leader slapped his PML-N counterpart during a live TV

show on Geo TV. A prayer leader belonging to JUI-F was shot dead in Quetta.

4. COMPETITIVE ELECTION CAMPAIGN

From May 16 to May 31, 2018, FAFEN observed a total of 325 public gatherings of 32

political parties, independent political leaders and groups that are not listed with the

ECP. More than one-third of the observed gatherings were held in Punjab (127),

followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (76), Sindh (52), Balochistan (37), Islamabad Capital

Territory (17) and FATA (16).

Major political parties, including PML-N, PPP and PTI held the majority of these public

gatherings.

As GE 2018 approaches, the frequency of public political gatherings has risen, albeit

not consistently; from January to March 2018, an average of almost 105 political

gatherings were reported during each fortnight whereas 325 such gatherings were

4


observed during the last fortnight of May, 2018. The graph below presents a

comparison of observed political gatherings held during each reporting period.

4.1 Types of Political Gathering

During the reporting period, political parties organized various types of political

gatherings, largely campaigning events, ranging from small-scale corner meetings

(107) to large-scale jalsas (97) in various towns across the four provinces, Islamabad

Capital Territory (ICT) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

Corner meetings figured most prominently in Punjab (58) and Balochistan (18), while

most of the observed jalsas were organized in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (37) and Punjab

(33). As the observation time period coincided with Ramadan, political gatherings

also took the form of Iftar parties (25). Moreover, political parties arranged rallies (17),

protests/sit-ins (14) as well as press conferences (20) to convey political messages.

The following graph illustrates the regional distribution of different types of political

gatherings observed by FAFEN during the reporting period:

105

280

400

325

January to March 2018(Average per Fortnight)

April 1 to April 30 2018(Average per Fortnight)

May 1 to May 15 2018 May 16 to May 31 2018

Political Gatherings on Rise

1 3

128

1

18

28

58

1418

1 1

37

10

33

13

4

149

3 63 16 6

2 23 4 5 23 5 6 3

KhyberPakhtunkhwa

FATA ICT Punjab Sindh Balochistan

Iftar Party Corner Meeting Dharna

Jalsa Other Political Gathering Press Conference

Protest/Sit-in Rally

5


4.2 Objective/s of Political Gatherings

The majority of observed political gatherings (62% or 202) were political events

intended to mobilize voters ahead of the General Elections. Nearly six percent or 21

gatherings took place in the form of protests against various political figures and/or

government institutions. Among these, nine protests were against a controversial

statement by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif regarding the 2008 terrorist attacks in

Mumbai. These protests were arranged by PTI, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JI) and

Pakistan Sunni Tehreek (PST) in various cities of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa.

PTI organized a protest against Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in

Lower Dir while a group of citizens protested in Nowshera against unavailability of

natural gas.

In Chaman and Lasbela, Awami National Party (ANP) organized a protest against

recent delimitation of electoral constituencies while, in Pishin, PTI protested over the

blockage of National Identity Cards (NICs) by NADRA.

In Hyderabad, PPP, Qaumi Awami Tehreek (QWP) and Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP)

respectively held protests against water and power shortages, political victimization

and lack of basic amenities. JI also protested against water shortage in various parts

of Karachi.

In the run up to GE 2018, political leaders and activists were also seen shifting their

political affiliations. Of the observed political gatherings, 15 (5%) were arranged by

various political figures to announce change of political parties.

Other objectives of political gatherings included demands for changes in the

boundaries of electoral constituencies or administrative units and announcement or

inauguration of development schemes. In Musakhel, JI and PkMAP held protest rallies

to demand revision in the recent delimitations.

Twelve development schemes – six each in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab – were

inaugurated, which included construction projects for roads, hospitals and schools,

and provision of natural gas.

The following table presents the regional distribution of the objectives of the political

gatherings observed during the reporting period:

Purpose of Political

Gathering

Khyber

Pakhtu

nkhwa

FATA ICT Punjab Sindh Balochi

stan Overall

Events to announce shifting

of political parties 8 1 2 1 3 15

Change in

Electoral/Administrative

Boundaries

2 2

Miscellaneous 3 3 4 6 5 21

6


Purpose of Political

Gathering

Khyber

Pakhtu

nkhwa

FATA ICT Punjab Sindh Balochi

stan Overall

Preparation for Jalsa 2 1 2 1 6

Press Conference 2 1 6 6 2 2 19

Protest Against

Governments/ State

Institutions

3 9 6 3 21

Workers or Voter

Mobilization/Worker

Meeting/Social Media

Convention

52 10 11 98 36 22 229

Announcement/

Inauguration of

Development Schemes

6 6 12

Overall 76 16 17 127 52 37 325

5. APPRAISAL OF VOTER REGISTRATION PROCESS BY PARTY

REPRESENTATIVES

FAFEN’s District Coordinators asked political party representatives about the ECP’s

adherence to the law in the voter registration process. Of the 731 party

representatives interviewed during the reporting period, the majority (83% or 605)

expressed satisfaction with the ECP’s voter registration efforts, while 105 (14%) said they

were dissatisfied with the ECP on voter registration process. The remaining 21

respondents (3%) showed indifference to the voter registration efforts. The level of

dissatisfaction with the ECP’s voter registration process has decreased from 18% at the

time of General Update-I (January to March 2018) to 14% during last fortnight of May

2018. The graph below shows the reduced dissatisfaction of party representatives with

the voter registration process over the last four reporting periods.

Reported Dissatisfaction with Voter Registration Process (Trend over Jan-May 2018)

18% 17%15% 14%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

January to March 2018 April to April 30 2018 May 1 to May 15 2018 May 16 to May 31 2018

Total Interview Dissatisfied with Voter Registration Process

7


5.1 APPRAISAL OF NIC REGISTRATION PROCESS (MRV Facility) by Party

Representatives

FAFEN’s District Coordinators also inquired about the support from National Database

and Registration Authority (NADRA’s) in registering NICs. When asked about NADRA’s

cooperation regarding the requisitioning of Mobile Registration Vans (MRVs) for

facilitating NIC registration in their areas, 326 of the 731 (45%) party representatives

stated that NADRA did not help them in acquiring MRVs. A majority of these

representatives (84) belonged to Balochistan. Around 290 (40%) representatives were

satisfied with the provision of MRV service by NADRA. As many as 115 claimed to have

never asked for the facility.

Reported Dissatisfaction with MRV Facilitation for NIC Registration (Trend Jan-May

2018)

The following table presents region-wise distribution of parties’ feedback on NADRA’s

efforts to issue NIC through MRV facility during the last fortnight of May:

Region NADRA is not

Providing MRVs

NADRA is

Providing MRVs Never Asked for Overall

Punjab 69 94 47 210

Balochistan 84 73 8 165

Sindh 60 103 30 193

Khyber

Pakhtunkhw

a

48 51 25 124

FATA 28 2 3 33

ICT 1 3 1 6

Overall 290 326 115 731

42%

48%

44% 45%

39%

40%

41%

42%

43%

44%

45%

46%

47%

48%

49%

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

January to March 2018 April to April 30 2018 May 1 to May 15 2018 May 16 to May 31 2018

Total Interview NADRA is not Providing MRVs

8


6. POLITICAL ALIGNMENTS AND ALLIANCES AT DISTRICT LEVEL

FAFEN observers reported a total of 63 political realignments or shifting of political

loyalties in 30 districts across the country and two agencies of FATA during the second

half of May 2018. The majority of political-switching and alignments (31) were reported

from Punjab, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (17), Sindh (8), ICT (3), FATA and

Balochistan (two each). These realignments emerged in the form of individual political

leaders switching political parties, politically influential groups realigning their political

loyalties or formation of alliances between different political parties. The statistics

reported here are not exhaustive and comprise of reports received from FAFEN

observers as well as data gathered from media sources.

6.1 Party-Switching by Political Figures

The data received from FAFEN observers and collected through media monitoring

reveals that 38 party-switching took place across the country during the reporting

period. A province-wise analysis of shifts in political affiliations shows that the PTI

gained the most in Punjab during the second half of May. In 22 instances of party-

switching in Punjab, 17 political leaders from PML-N and PPP announced joining PTI.

This party-switching took place in Chakwal, Gujrat, Khushab, Lahore, Multan, Narowal,

Rahimyar Khan, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Sialkot and Lodhran.

On the other hand, the PML-N received a political leader from PTI in Khushab while

three PML-N leaders joined PPP in Rahim Yar Khan. A PML-N leader in Chakwal

announced leaving the party due to his differences with party leadership.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, political leaders switching their parties landed in the JUI-F, PTI,

JI, PPP and TLP camps. Two PPP leaders from Lakki Mawrat and one ANP leader from

Tor Ghar announced joining JUI-F. A PTI leader in Peshawar also announced his

support for TLP after parting ways with the party, while a JI leader joined PTI in Buner.

Moreover, JI and ANP leaders in Lower Dir joined PPP while one ANP leader joined JI

in the same district.

In Sindh, a National Party leader joined PPP in Naushero Feroz while a founding

member of PTI quit the party to join PSP. Similarly, a PML-F leader from Tando

Muhammad Khan shifted to PTI. In Khairpur, a PML-F leader joined PPP while a PPP

leader landed in PTI in Kashmore. PML-N leaders announced joining PTI in three various

political gatherings in Islamabad while an Independent lawmaker joined PTI in Kurram

agency.

9


10


6.2 Party Shifting by Influential Factions/Groups

This section presents findings on district-level shifting of politically influential factions,

such as trade unions, political and professional organizations, clans, tribes, etc.

Most of these factions joined PTI or announced to remain independent. Some groups

were observed changing their old political affiliations and forging new alliances with

electorally powerful Biradaris or families/clans. Regionally distributed highlights are

given below:

A faction of Chakwal's Pehlwan group announces support for PML-N

A local leader from Mutlan's Cantonment area joins PPP along with his

Biradari

Former PML-N MNA announces forming a new party called `Pakistan Human

Party'

Wattoo family of Village 57 SP announces support for local PTI leader

Rana Ali Raza Group forges alliance with Dewan Azmat Chishti in Pakpattan

and announces support for him

Gaman Bradri in Tehsil Liaqat Pur, Rahim Yar Khan announces support for PML-

N

Solangi and Sipra Biradris in Rahim Yar Khan's area Noore Wali announce

support for PTI

Three local political leaders in Union council Dhilum Kahlon Tehsil Pasrur

announce joining PTI

Former Naib Nazim of Muzafarpur Shumali along with his entire Biradari

announces to join Rokhri group after leaving Sher Afgan group in Mianwali

Local Influentials in Village Banda Qazi, Abbottabad formerly affiliated with

PTI announce fielding an Independent candidate for PK-38

Local Influentials of Union Council Salhad, Abbottabad join PML-N

Local Influentials of Bandi Attai Khan, Abbottabad join PML-N

Famous Poet Akhtar Azam of Chitral joins PTI

11


Local influentials of Kandiya Valley and Dubair Valley forge an electoral

alliance to field a joint candidate in NA-11

A group of General Councilors of village Palusa Hussain Zai in Tor Ghar

announces support for ANP

Local influentials of `Rukhna Drangal’ area in Lower Dir announce support for

PTI

Local influentials in village Sangoli of Lower Dir announce joining PPP

A member of Villlage Council Mula Banda in Lower Dir announces support for

ANP

Malik Asad Group and Sikandar Group of PPP in Jamshoro form alliance to

show strength for party ticket

Wagan and Khosa biradris forge alliance with PPP in UC Nim Wara Khosa,

Noor Pur in Naushero Feroz

Local Influential announces support for Jamali Panel (Z) in Jaffarabad

Feroz Khel tribe in Lower Orakzai Agency, previously affiliated with PML-N,

announces support for PTI

6.3 Formation of Alliances between Political Parties

This section presents findings on the formation of district-level alliances between

various political parties/groups.

In Karachi East, JUI-F, JI, JUI-N, Jamiat Ahle-Hadees and Tehreek-e-Islami agreed to

field one candidate under the platform of MMA. In Quetta, newly formed Balochistan

Awami Party (BAP) announced an electoral alliance with Balochistan Mutahida

Mahaz (BMM) while Qaumi Mahaz merged with PML-N in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Region District Formation of Alliances

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Swabi Swabi Qaumi Mahaz merges with PML-N

Sindh Karachi

East

Religious parties including Jamiut Ulma-e-Islam, Jamiat-e-

Ulma-e-Pakistan, Jamat-e-Islami Pakistan, Jamiat Ahle-

Hadees, and Tehreek-e-Islami decide to unite under

MMA platform

Balochistan Quetta Chairman Balcohistan Muttahida Mahaz (BMM)

announces merger with Balochistan Awami Party (BAP)

12


7. MEDIA MONITORING: INAUGURATION OF DEVELOPMENT

SCHEMES AND POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS

During the second half of May, three provincial governments issued 67 advertisements

to 11 national and regional dailies while 14 advertisements were issued to four regional

papers by the Federal Government. The numbers of ads issued by each government

to various newspapers are as follows:

Newspaper/Advertiser Govt. of

Punjab

Govt. of

Pakistan

Govt. of

Sindh

Govt. of

Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa

Total

Nawa-i-waqt 18 1 1 20

Express 5 9 1 15

Dawn 9 1 1 11

Daily Times 7 1 8

Jang 5 2 7

Express Tribune 2 3 1 6

The Nation 6 6

Pakistan Today 4 4

Dunya 1 1

Nai Baat 1 1

The News 1 1

Overall 60 14 5 2 81

The Punjab government released 60 advertisements to the press while five

advertisements were released by the Sindh government and two by the Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa government.

Punjab government ads appeared in 11 newspapers; 18 in Nawa-i-Waqt, nine in

Dawn, seven in Daily Times, six each in the Nation and the Jang, five in Express, four in

Pakistan Today, two in the Express Tribune and one each in Nai Baat, Dunya and The

News.

Five Sindh government ads were published in Dawn, Jang, Express Tribune, Express

and Jang while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s two ads appeared in Nawa-i-

Waqat and Dawn.

Through these advertisements, the Punjab government shared its agenda and

programs in various developmental sectors, including power, transportation and

infrastructure development, health, and women’s development. Sindh government

focused on women’s development while communication sector and youth internship

13


program featured prominently in advertisements by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

government.

The following table presents the thematic interests of various advertisements issued by

three provincial governments and the federal government during the last fortnight of

May.

Theme Punjab Sindh Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa

Federal

Government Overall

Agriculture 3 3

Health 9 1 10

Infrastructure 11 1 12

Loan to Doctors 3 3

Power and Energy 9 9

Public interest 6 1 14 21

Saving electricity 14 14

Water and Sanitation 3 3

Women Development 2 3 5

Youth Employment 1 1

Overall 60 5 2 14 81

FAFEN monitors also identified 26 development projects being announced, approved

or inaugurated during the reporting period. As many as 19 news items appearing in

the national press reported 14 federal projects, seven projects in Punjab, four in Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa and one in Sindh.

The outgoing Prime Minister inaugurated five development projects during the last

fortnight of his tenure. Located in various regions, these projects included a

Polytechnic Institute, a building for Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, Gojra – Toba

Tek Singh Motorway, Havelian – Thakot Motorway, and a Youth Development Project

for FATA. Moreover, he donated PKR 100 million for a Cancer hospital in Karachi. The

country’s top development planning body, the Executive Committee of the National

Economic Council (ECNEC), also approved six infrastructure projects in the power,

health and education sectors during the last days of the government. Additionally,

the Capital Development Authority, responsible for Islamabad’s development,

cleared a road construction project for the capital. NADRA also opened an Executive

Passport Centre in Gujrat while Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences notified free

diagnostic testing services for patients coming to its Emergency Care department.

Chief Minister of Punjab inaugurated the test-run of Orange Line Metro Train and

Institute of Neuro Sciences in Lahore and expansion of Racep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital

in Muzaffargarh. Moreover, the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP)

approved three development projects including upgradation of District Headquarter

Hospitals in the province, expansion of emergency medical services to tehsils and

14


construction of Kasur Sports Complex in Kasur. Lahore Development Authority (LDA)

also approved a road-widening project for Lahore.

Moreover, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa handed over rickshaws to ten unemployed

youth in FATA under a National Bank of Pakistan scheme, while the Provincial Cabinet

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa approved an internship scheme for youth in the province and

also approved a risk allowance for police officers along with a technical allowance

for government engineers.

In Sindh, the government inaugurated a Chest Pain Unit in Lyari General Hospital

during its last days while PPP’s Aseefa Bhutto Zardari distributed food packages

among needy people in Karachi.

8. PRE-ELECTION POSTINGS AND TRANSFERS

FAFEN’s District Coordinators observed 27 postings and transfers in 11 government

departments across the country during the months of April and May 2018.

In Balochistan, the District Commissioners of Khuzdar, Kharan and Panjgur were

replaced while District Education Officer of Kohlu and District Health Officer of Dera

Bugti were each transferred.

In FATA’s Bajaur Agency, the Political Administration replaced a Tehsildar in Bar

Chamar Kand tehsil.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two senior educationists were transferred from their

respective schools to others in Abbottabad while three Judicial Officers (a Civil Judge,

a District and Sessions Judge and a Magistrate) were transferred from their respective

districts (Shangla, Mardan and Mansehra) to other districts (Abbottabad, Haripur and

Upper Kohistan). Moreover, a transfer was also made in the office of Additional

Director, Director of Transit Trade Peshawar.

In Punjab, two District and Sessions Judges were transferred to Chakwal and

Muzaffargarh while the Senior Medical Officer of District Headquarter Hospital

Pakpattan and the Station House Officer of Chowk Azam Police Station, Layyah were

replaced. Furthermore, transfers were also made in the offices of District Excise and

Taxation Officer, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) and Additional Deputy

Commissioner (Finance) in Mandi Bahauddin.

In Sindh, Deputy Commissioners of Matiari, Tando Muhammad Khan and Umer Kot,

District Education Officer of Kashmore, District Election Commissioner of Sanghar and

Deputy Superintendent Police of Sanghar were replaced.

9. ALLOCATION OF ELECTION SYMBOLS

The ECP notified the allocation of election symbols to 101 political parties and two

combinations of political parties on June 4, 2018. The combinations of political parties

include Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal Pakistan (MMAP) and Grand Democratic Alliance

15


(GDA). The former is an electoral alliance among four parties, namely JUI-F, JI, Markazi

Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith Pakistan (JAH) and Islami Tehreek Pakistan (ISP) while the latter is

an alliance among PMLF, NPP, People’s Muslim League – Pakistan (PML-P) and

Pakistan People’s Party Workers (PPP-W).

The list of political parties available on the ECP’s website shows 117 parties listed with

the Commission. As per the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017, all political parties or

a combination of political parties listed with the ECP may apply for the allocation of

distinct election symbols for a general election provided that they have submitted the

following documents to the ECP before filing an application for election symbol:

A copy of the constitution of

the political party

A list of at least two thousand members with

their signatures or thumb impressions along

with copies of their National Identity Cards,

Proof of deposit of listing fee

(i.e. PKR 200,000).

A consolidated statement of the political

party’s accounts

Report of audit of the political

party’s accounts Certificate of the Intra-party elections

A certificate signed by an office-bearer authorized by the Party Head stating

that—

a) no funds from any source prohibited under the Elections Act 2017 were

received by the political party; and

b) the statement contains an accurate financial position of the political party

Following the scrutiny of the nominated candidates and issuance of the final list of

candidates in the constituencies, the Returning Officers will allot election symbols to

each candidate based on their party affiliations. A candidate who has submitted a

party’s ticket will be allotted the symbol allocated to the party while independent

candidates will be allotted symbols from the remaining options available in the ECP’s

List of Election Symbols. Under the Act, the symbols allotted to the candidates should

be visibly different and distinct. However, several symbols so far allocated to the

political parties may confuse voters. For instance, Awami Workers Party (AWP) and

Ittehad-e-Ummat Pakistan (IUP) have been allocated Bulb and Energy Saver

respectively, which are quite similar to each other. The following table comprises of a

list of such symbols which may be hard for some voters to differentiate between:

Sr. No. Potentially Confusing Election Symbols Political Parties

1 1. Tyre

2. Wheel

1. Amun Taraqqi Party

2. Jamhoori Watan Party

2 1. Human Hand

2. Fist

1. PPP(SB)

2. Awam League

3 1. Energy Saver

2. Bulb

1. Ittehad-e-Ummat Pakistan

2. Awami Workers Party

4 1. Tree

2. Date Tree

1. PkMAP

2. Pakistan Freedom Party

5 1. Chiragh

2. Candle

1. QWP

2. MQM Pakistan

6 1. Bat

2. Batsman

1. PTI

2. PTI (Nazriati)

16


10. ECP SHARES LIST OF PROPOSED POLLING STATIONS WITH

RETURNING OFFICERS

Under Section 59 of the Elections Act, 2017, the Commission is responsible to provide

the Returning Officers (ROs) with lists of proposed polling stations for each

constituency within one week following the ROs’ appointment, i.e. till May 14, 2018.1

The ECP informed the public on May 24, 2018 that it has supplied the lists to ROs. FAFEN

contacted 19 District Election Commissioners (DECs) to verify the status of provision of

these lists to ROs. According to four of the 19 DECs, the lists were dispatched to the

concerned ROs within due time whereas the remaining 15 DECs sent the lists with a

delay ranging between one and seven days. Timely provision of these lists to the ROs

is important for the finalization of polling stations as delays in the supply of proposed

lists may deprive them of the time required for physical verification of polling stations.

The Preliminary List of Polling Stations, to be prepared following physical verification of

polling stations, must be finalized within 15 days of the supply of proposed lists.

In line with legal requirements, the ECP also uploaded the lists of proposed polling

stations on its website and invited political parties and voters to verify the polling

stations and suggest changes, if any, to the District Returning Officers.

The Commission is also required to supply the copies of final electoral rolls for all the

electoral areas within a constituency to the concerned ROs. However, the ECP has

yet to release publicly available information regarding the provision of electoral rolls

to ROs.

11. ECP’S ROLE IN ENFORCING ELECTIONS ACT, 2017

The ECP has actively pursued the enforcement of the Elections Act, 2017 for the

conduct of GE-2018. The Commission directed the provincial/regional administrations

to provide basic facilities such as water, ramps for wheel-chair bound voters,

washrooms and boundary walls at 6,964 polling stations where these amenities were

missing. Prior to this, the ECP conducted a country-wide survey of polling stations to

identify stations where the above-mentioned facilities were missing. In a meeting held

with the provincial chief secretaries, the Commission directed them to provide the

missing amenities at 6,964 polling stations lacking these facilities. In another directive,

the ECP instructed the provincial administration of extending their complete

cooperation to ROs in discharge of their election duties while taking notice of

complaints of non-cooperation in some districts of Punjab.

In pursuance of enforcing bans on appointments in government departments and

development schemes following the announcement of the Election Program, the ECP

also took notice of reports concerning the appointment of the Pakistan Electronic

Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Chairman and asked the government to

withhold the appointment till elections.

1 The ECP notified the appointment of ROs on May 7, 2018

17


11.1 Codes of Conduct for Elections

The ECP has issued the Codes of Conduct for Polling Staff, Observers and Security

Personnel. According to the Elections Act, 2017, the Commission is required to issue

the following Codes of Conduct:

Codes of Conduct for Political Parties, Contesting Candidate, Election Agents

and Polling Agents

Code of Conduct for Security Personnel

Code of Conduct for Media

Code of Conduct for Observers

According to the law, the Commission must frame the first of these codes in

consultation with political parties, publish them in the gazette, and post them on its

website. Of 117 political parties registered with the ECP, the Commission invited 20

parliamentary parties for a consultation on the code, convened on May 31, 2018 in

Islamabad.

18


ANNEXURE-I

List of Parties Claiming Electoral Intimidation or

Harassment Region District Name of Political Parties

Punjab

Bahawalnagar One Representative from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Bahawalpur

One Representative from Pakistan Awami Tehreek,

One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League,

One Representative from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

One Representative from Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan

Bhakkar One Representative from Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan

Faisalabad One Representative from Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan

Gujrat One Representative from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and


Kasur One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (N)

Lahore

One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League,

One Representative from Pakistan Peoples Party

Parliamentarians


Lodhran One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (N)

Nankana Sahib One Representative from Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan


Narowal One Representative from Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan

Pakpattan One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (N)

Sargodha

One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League


Parliamentarians

Sheikhupura One Representative from Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan

Sialkot One Representative from Pakistan Sunni Tehreek


Sindh Dadu One Representative from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Two Representative from Sindh United Party

19


Region District Name of Political Parties

Ghotki One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (N)

Hyderabad One Representative from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaniat

Jacobabad

One Representative from Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan,

One Representative from Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam (F)

One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (F)

One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (N)


Jamshoro One Representative from Sindh United Party

Karachi

Central One Representative from Pak Sarzameen Party

Karachi East

One Representative from Mohajir Qaumi Movement

Pakistan

One Representative from Muttahida Qaumi Movement

Pakistan

Karachi South


Pakistan,


Pakistan

One Representative from Pak Sarzameen Party

One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (N) and


Karachi West


Pakistan,

One Representative from National Peoples Party,

One Representative from Pak Sarzameen Party and

One Representative from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaniat

Khairpur

Two Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (F)

One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (N) and

Two Representatives from Pakistan Peoples Party

Parliamentarian

Korangi One Representative from Mohajir Qaumi Movement

Pakistan

Malir One Representative from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Naushero

Feroze


One Representative from Sindh United Party

Nawabshah


Pakistan

One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (F)



Parliamentarian

One Representative from Sindh United Party

20


Region District Name of Political Parties

Sanghar One Representative from Pakistan Muslim League (F)

Shahdadkot


One Representative from Pakistan Peoples Party (Shaheed

Bhutto)


T.M. Khan One Representative from Other Political Parties (Not Listed

with the ECP)

Balochistan

Chagai One Representative from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Jaffarabad One Representative from Pakistan Peoples Party

Parliamentarians (Patriots )

Jhal Magsi

One Representative from Balochistan National Party




Kohlu One Representative from National Party

Loralai One Representative from Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party

Overall 73 Representatives of political parties in 37 districts claimed that their party

leaders or workers were being intimidated or harassed.

GENERAL ELECTION 2018 - Update-IV

Documents

Transcript of GENERAL ELECTION 2018 - Update-IV