The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed its overall satisfaction with the provincial elections conducted in the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
In a statement, it said the elections were held as planned – despite the brief delay – which was a milestone for the people of western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). “It is also to the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) credit that, by and large, polling remained peaceful and was conducted in accordance with the Elections Act 2017.”
Nonetheless, given allegations of manipulation made by some candidates in Bajaur and South Waziristan, the HRCP urged the ECP to investigate any such complaints fairly and transparently.
The HRCP also hoped that the heavy presence of security forces at polling stations will not become a permanent feature of elections in this area, and that independent observers and the media will be given easier access to allow future elections to be conducted as transparently as possible.
