The November 23 by-elections in 13 National Assembly and Punjab Assembly constituencies were “largely well-managed” but marred by campaign violations, weak transparency in results, and low voter turnout, according to the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
FAFEN deployed 122 trained and accredited observers who monitored the opening, voting and counting processes at 373 polling stations and 1,088 polling booths (626 males and 462 female).
Observers also interviewed polling staff, security personnel and 833 polling agents.
One of the key concerns was poor enforcement of campaigning restrictions. At 238 polling stations (64%), at least 465 party camps were seen near polling premises.
Transportation of voters was observed at 184 (49%) polling stations, while party camps were issuing voter slips at 216 (91%) stations.
Campaign material was found inside 16 (4%) polling stations. FAFEN also noted that arrangements for women, elderly, persons with disabilities, and transgender voters remained inconsistent.
On the positive side training and procedures were largely in place. Around 89% of Presiding Officers, 79% of Assistant Presiding Officers, and 77% of Polling Officers reported receiving ECP training.
Ballot security and secrecy were generally upheld, with all four seals intact at 1,072 (98%) booths and secrecy screens properly placed at 1,044 (96%) booths.
Polling was described as organized and peaceful at 340 (93%) of 366 observed booths with only four booths reported as poorly managed.
However, legal procedure gaps were noted: at 92 (25%) booths, Polling Officers did not announce voter names and serial numbers as required by Section 84(4)(a) of the Elections Act, 2017.
At 10 (3%) booths, at least one eligible voter was turned away due to an expired CNIC.
FAFEN also raised concerns about result transparency. At some of the 79 counting stations observed, Form 45 and Form 46 were not provided to polling agents and observers or displayed outside polling stations as required.
Turnout dropped by 23% for both men and women, with only one constituency crossing 50% participation.
