ISLAMABAD: The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has ruled out the suspicion of rigged or engineered elections in Pakistan.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Tuesday‚ the EU EOM chief Michael Gahler said the legal framework has improved but in the light of current elections they have made 50 recommendations as there are plenty of areas where reforms are still needed.
Gahler said the mission has no evidence of any interference in the electoral process by the intelligence agencies; however‚ certain institutions have crossed their limits in the discharge of their duties.
Applauding the role of NADRA in terms of electoral rolls‚ Gahler said further measures to promote women participation are needed. He said more efforts are required from all institutions for increased women participation in the elections.
The EU EOM chief stressed the government to form a parliamentary committee to overview the election related issues aiming to improve the electoral process.
Gahler said increased participation of political parties in elections‚ especially in Balochistan and FATA has given a clear message that people believe in vote rather than violence.