Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat) has expressed deep concern over the reported cases of violence and irregularities in the by-elections held on February 25, 2012. The incidents of violence were reported from more than 30 polling stations in all the by-election constituencies as reported widely by the electronic and print media.
Pildat especially took exception to the failure of Election Commission of Pakistan to take timely action against a PPP woman candidate, Waheeda Shah contesting by-elections from PS-53, Tando Mohammad Khan. The candidate, in full view of TV cameras, publicly physically assaulted at-least two lady members of the polling staff appointed by ECP.
It said that despite lapse of 40 hours, ECP was unable to register a criminal case against the influential local politician who was reportedly intimidating and threatening the victims so that they do not dare complain against the candidate. Pildat communicated its concerns to the ECP on the same evening as the incident occurred and demanded a strict and urgent action against the candidate who took law in her hands.
It felt that ECP, by not taking immediate action, has created a sense of utter insecurity among the polling staff who will remain under the awe of local influential because ECP has failed to provide them the security and could not take action against the perpetrators of violence. The fact is that this particular case has become a test case for the ECP and so far ECP has miserably failed in the test. It further said public display of medium to light arms and unrestrained aerial firing in broad daylight in full view of the law enforcement agencies and the media has also failed to elicit an appropriate response by the ECP.
Pildat believed that after the unanimous passage of the 18th and 20th constitutional amendment, ECP has emerged as a stronger and more independent body. But despite all the power and resources placed at its disposal, it has failed to establish its authority due to its inability to take timely action and decisions on the reported cases of violence and irregularities. It feared that this inability of ECP to deal with the cases of violence and irregularities in the by-elections might encourage violence in the forthcoming General election. ECP should take timely decisions and exert authority to check incidents of violence and irregularities in accordance with the laws and provisions of Constitution that provide the strength and constitutional cover to deal with such incidents.