By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Concerns Over Electoral Transparency
The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has released its long-awaited final report on Pakistan’s 2024 general elections, raising serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process. Published more than 18 months after the polls, the 161-page document highlighted several irregularities and restrictions on voters’ political rights, calling into question the credibility of the results.
One of the most critical points raised in the report was the shutdown of mobile phone services on election night. Observers stated that the move reduced transparency, slowed down the results transmission process, and created opportunities for manipulation. The absence of digitally transmitted result forms was flagged as a major gap, which the group said expanded opportunities for altering Forms 45, 46, and 47—key documents used in result compilation.
Manipulation of Election Forms
The report noted inconsistencies in official election documents, claiming that in some instances, copies of Forms 45 collected by party agents differed from those later uploaded to the Election Commission of Pakistan’s website. According to the group, these discrepancies included changes in vote totals and turnout figures, raising questions about the authenticity of the tabulation process.
Observers stressed that such alterations undermined public trust in the electoral process and limited the ability of political parties to independently verify results. This issue, the report added, was compounded by pre-election conditions that hindered a level playing field.
Restrictions on Political Rights
The Commonwealth mission highlighted several restrictions imposed on political freedoms in the lead-up to the elections. Most notably, the non-allocation of the bat symbol to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) forced its candidates to run as independents, a move the group said significantly affected the party’s ability to compete fairly.
Additionally, the report cited multiple incidents involving PTI members and supporters, including arrests, detentions, and raids on offices and private homes. These actions, according to the observers, restricted the constitutional rights of freedom of association and assembly, undermining democratic participation.
Recognition of Positive Developments
Despite its criticisms, the observer group acknowledged progress made by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in improving inclusivity. It commended the narrowing of the gender gap in voter registration, which fell from 12% in 2013 to 7.7% in 2024. The expansion of the ECP’s Gender and Social Inclusion Wing was also praised, along with the establishment of a gender hotline to address harassment during the electoral process.
The report further highlighted increased youth participation, noting that young voters were more active in 2024 compared to previous elections. Civil society organisations were recognised for their role in mobilising communities and promoting electoral reform.
Call for Broader Democratic Reform
While appreciating these positive developments, the Commonwealth report stressed that improving electoral processes in Pakistan requires more than technical adjustments. It argued that the success of reforms will depend heavily on the broader political conditions in which elections are conducted.
The report concluded by pointing to Pakistan’s democratic potential, citing its vibrant media, politically engaged youth, and active civil society. However, it warned that without addressing restrictions on rights and ensuring genuine political competition, the country’s electoral system will continue to face challenges to its credibility.