By KUNA,
Islamabad : The European Union has slammed lack of transparency in the February 18, 2008 general elections in Pakistan, saying there were enduring problems with the framework and conditions in the country, which saw much violence ahead of the elections.
Although the February 18 general elections in Pakistan were competitive and the results were accepted, the European Union Election Observation Mission report published in local newspapers here on Thursday stressed “serious problems”.
The report said there were serious problems with the framework and conditions in which the elections were held and that a level playing field was not provided during the campaign, primarily as a result of abuse of state resources and bias in the state media in favor of the former ruling parties.
“As a result, the overall process fell short of a number of international standards for genuine democratic elections,” it added.
There was also a lack of transparency in the performance of the election administration and the results process, it said, adding that the elections took place in a difficult security environment in which the threat of violence and an atmosphere of fear prevailed.
As a result of attacks on political party gatherings, over 100 party supporters were killed during the campaign. In addition, over 50 people were reportedly killed in clashes between supporters during this period.
Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister and chairperson of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was assassinated in a gun and suicide attack.
The elections which were expected to be marred by massive rigging ended up turning losers into victors. Pro-Musharraf ruling party Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) was heavily defeated and PML-N, led by Nawaz Sharif and PPP led by Benazir widower were the main winners.
In the context of violence, the report said, the election process, particularly on the day of voting, saw courageous commitment to the democratic process by voters, candidates, and party workers, election staff, representatives of the media, civil society, and state personnel.