The Election Commission of Pakistan recently raised concerns about the neutrality of the country’s interim government with respect to conducting national elections. The Commission has alleged that this interim government, far from upholding impartiality in the electoral process, appears to be unfairly favoring adversaries of the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Details can be found here.
The Commission voiced its concerns regarding the perceived bias in a letter sent to Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar, who is currently holding office. The letter requested the government to set a date for the much-delayed elections. Apart from this, the body heavily criticized the government for conducting biased elections and for preventing Khan from partaking in the elections.
Furthermore, the Election Commission publicly expressed its disapproval for the government’s delay in holding the elections. The caretaker government is viewed by many as a continuation of the preceding government. Kakar is a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), a party known for its rivalry with Khan. Following the loss of a vote of no confidence against him in April 2022, Khan was removed from the government, resulting in the establishment of the caretaker government by PMLN – more on this here.
The interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, however, vehemently dismissed allegations of bias in the government’s elections. He pledged that the caretaker government would work closely with the Election Commission to provide a fair election process for all parties. Spokesperson for the Election Commission, Haroon Khan, did not publicly respond to Solangi’s statement.
The issue has drawn international attention too. Given the delayed elections in Pakistan, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller has called on Pakistan to conduct elections consistent with its own laws. He added that the government should also ensure that these elections are free, fair, timely and uphold respect for human rights and the rule of law. Further details here.