European Union On #Elections2018
European Union On #Elections2018: European Union election observers say general elections taking place on 25th of next month mark an important stage in Pakistan’s democratic development.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad, Chief Observer of European Union Election Observation Mission Michael Gahler said they are examining fairness and transparency in electoral process in Pakistan.
He said mandate of the EU election mission is to observe all aspects of the electoral process and to assess the extent to which the elections are in compliance with the laws of Pakistan as well as with international and regional commitments for democratic elections to which Pakistan is a signatory.
The Chief Observer said the mission is currently made of a core team of ten election analysts based in Islamabad and sixty long term observers will arrive in next few days.
He said the mission will issue a preliminary statement shortly after the election day about electoral process and a comprehensive final report will be published approximately two months later.
The EU EOM will also be joined by a delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament, as well as diplomats from European embassies resident in Pakistan. At full strength, the mission will comprise up to 100 observers.
The European Union deployed an EOM to observe the elections after a mission was welcomed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The EOM is independent in its findings and conclusions. EU observers adhere to a strict code of conduct for international election observation that requires they maintain strict neutrality and impartiality in the course of their work and do not interfere in the electoral process.
The EU deployed election observation missions to Pakistan in 2002, 2008 and 2013, with the last two being led by Mr Gahler.
Michael Gahler, a Member of the European Parliament from Germany, is also leading the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the general elections scheduled for July 25.
Chairman PML-N Central Media Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed has held a meeting with the European Union Chief Election Observer, Michael Gahler and the President of the National Democratic Institute in Islamabad.
Talking to them Mushahid Hussain said PML-N is closely coordinating with various Pakistani civil society organisations like PILDAT, FAFEN as well as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan for free, fair, transparent and credible elections. He said PML-N welcomes the election observers.
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