Caretaker Federal Ministers have demanded an in-depth analysis of elections by the Election Commission to avoid recurrence of rigging and fraud accusations. Well-informed sources told Business Recorder some Federal Ministers who were inducted in the cabinet with a mandate to conduct free, fair and transparent general elections, were seen in the cabinet meeting on May 16, 2013 as saying that accusations by political parties had challenged the credibility of elections.
This was indicated in official documents prepared by the Cabinet Division after the Cabinet meeting. "There have been allegations and counter allegations of widespread rigging of elections and fraud. It is time for introspection. An in-depth analysis is required by the Election Commission so that recurrence of such incidents be avoided in future elections," documents quoted the caretaker Ministers as saying in the cabinet meeting.
The cabinet was informed that the Ministry of Interior effectively supervised the provision of security and ensured effective co-ordination between Federation and Provinces and civil Armed Forces as well. The Minister for Interior visited all the provinces and met stakeholders across the board. Thus it was ensured that there was a seamless co-ordination with stakeholders through National Election Security Centre where prompt decisions were taken.
The following measures taken by the Ministry were also highlighted: (i) stringent Security measures taken by the Provinces, in co-ordination with CAFs were instrumental in preventing law & order situation und security apprehensions;(ii) ensured positive publicity through media to instill confidence amongst the public;(iii) effective security by Province with help of Provincial Police, auxiliary staff, CAFs backed by Pak Army's QRF support which facilitated high rate of turnout;(iv) National Election Security Centre (NESC) was established in NCMC, Ministry of Interior;(v) special emphasis accorded for prompt sharing of real time intelligence;(vi) NCMC shared 147 threat alerts and 40 information reports with all stakeholders during 10 April-10 May, 2013;(vii) strict vigilance and security plans by LEAs/CAFs restricted miscreants from achieving their targets;(viii) Federal Government assisted the provincial governments by providing CAFs personnel as per their requirements;(ix) Air Wing, Ministry of Interior provided air surveillance in all provinces and ;(x) categorisation of polling stations into very sensitive, sensitive and normal was taken into consideration for deployment.
Secretary Interior gave further details of the number of visas issued to foreign observers as well as the deployment patron of the Police, Pakistan Qaumi Razakar, Special Police as Army/Civil Armed Forces/ Law Enforcement Agencies.
The cabinet members made observations such as: (i) in the entire run-up to the elections, rumours were rife as to the holding of elections on time and the cynicism notwithstanding, the caretaker government by the Grace of Allah has fulfilled its promise to the nation by holding elections on May 11, 2013 which deserves commendation indeed; (ii) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had done a tremendous job by ensuring positive media coverage during the entire election campaign under the able guidance of Prime Minister; (iii) the role of Chief of Army Staff and all provincial governments was appreciated. Similarly, the role of government, support of media and civil society in accomplishing the task magnificently, was also applauded; and (iv) Ministry of Water and Power in co-ordination with Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources ensured uninterrupted supply of electricity during the election days in the country.
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