Islamabad 21 February 2024: Under section 95(10) of the Elections Act 2017, the Election Commission is bound to publish the duly signed copies of Form 45s, Forms 46s and Form 47s on its website within fourteen days from the date of the polling. PATTAN-Coalition38 would like to remind the ECP that 22 February is the last date to publish the said documents on its website.
We note with extreme concern that any delay in this regard is likely to cause more harm not only to the repute of the ECP as it is already under tremendous scrutiny, criticism and pressure, but also its delay will seriously damage public trust in electoral democracy and state institutions.
Moreover, the conduct of 2024 general election has already tarnished the image of the ECP in the eyes of the public and international community. And the ECP has also undermined not only its own stated vision that is an integral part of the ECP’s 3rd Strategic Plan 2019-23 but also its mission statement which says – “We strive to hold free, fair and transparent elections that truly reflect the will of the people in democratic processes.” Unfortunately, it had failed on all the stated counts. But, we still believe that ECP can prevent from further harm should it upload original Form 45s as any tampered Forms is likely to further deepen the rage in the country.
We would therefore like to remind the ECP that transparency in election is as important as freeness and fairness of election is concerned. And uploading of true Form 45s, Form 46s, and Form47s will greatly help to regain the lost trust of the people in the working of the ECP, which is extremely crucial to build political certainty in the country, and that is essential to revive the economy.
