By Elizabeth Breslin
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia
The Pakistani Army announced today that it will be distancing itself from the election process. The parliamentary elections are now scheduled for February 18th, delayed because of the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhuttoin December. (See Impunity Watch story here).
An Army spokesperson said that “conduct of elections as per Constitution is the sole responsibility of the Election Commission and Army will not be involved in the election process.” Pakistan’s current military chief, General Ashfaq Kayani, has seemed to prefer to stay out of politics since his appointment in October 2007. Some analysts believe that the Army is attempting to keep itself outside of the likely controversies surrounding the upcoming election. Kayani understands that the process will be messy, and by staying out of it he will avoid any blame.
President Musharraf’s opponents are alleging that he will use his power as President to influence the elections. There is a widespread concern that Pakistan’s Election Commission is incapable of assuring a fair election. There are allegations that the current Chief Election Commissioner is openly partisan, as well as government officials on all levels. Furthermore, after the removal of judges and suspension of the Constitution in November, government officials and members of the judiciary are afraid to act independently.
Pakistan’s government has assured United States and European Union monitoring teams that they will be allowed to access elections sites freely and can go in unannounced to any polling site. They are however refusing to allow exit polls to be conducted. Critics worry that this is problematic as exit polls are an essential tool for assuring fair and independent elections.
In a speech on Friday, President Musharraf has issued a warning to Western countries to stop criticizing Pakistan’s government regarding the election and its methods of fighting against terrorism. He requested instead their support during this difficult time. He reiterated that the elections would be free and fair.
For more information, please see:
CBS News – Pakistan’s Army Steps Aside From Election – 27 January 2008
Daily Times – ANALYSIS: Election manipulation – 27 January 2008
BBC News – Musharraf issues warning to West – 25 January 2008
The Kansas City Star – Pakistan bans observers from conducting exit polls for election – 25 January 2008
