Statement by Tan Sri Musa Hitam, Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group at the 2002 Parliamentary and Provincial Assemblies Elections, 10 October 2002

I arrived in Pakistan with the Commonwealth Observer Group on 29 September 2002, to join an advance team who have been in the country since 8 September. The observers are supported by a number of Commonwealth Secretariat staff. On 4 October, we deployed in fourteen teams throughout all four provinces, and have been travelling widely covering both urban and rural areas in the period up to and including election day. I myself have visited the four provincial capitals, and on polling day observed all stages of the process.

We have been operating in the context of the Commonwealth's concern to see the early restoration of democracy in Pakistan, in accordance with the provisions of the Millbrook Action Program of the Commonwealth Harare Declaration, and the expressed wishes of Commonwealth Heads of Government, who at their most recent meeting in Coolum (Australia) decided that "Pakistan's suspension from the Councils of the Commonwealth should remain unchanged pending the restoration of democratic government." Commonwealth Heads requested the Commonwealth Secretary-General to maintain an active monitoring role in the period leading up to the restoration of democracy, including the deployment of Commonwealth observers at the National and Provincial Assemblies elections.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General has been carrying out the monitoring role required. He has closely followed developments such as the local government elections, the April referendum and constitutional changes introduced in the months before these elections.

Under our Terms of Reference, we are specifically required to observe the relevant aspects of the organisation and conduct of the elections, to consider various factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole, and to determine in our judgment whether the conditions exist for a free expression of will by the electors, and if the results of the elections reflect the wishes of the people.

This has not been an easy task. I am fully aware of the circumstances surrounding and leading up to these elections. Pakistan is in a unique position in Asia, in the Commonwealth and in the wider international community. I believe General Musharraf has introduced constructive and progressive reforms over the past three years; but at the same time, it is apparent that certain measures have been enacted which have a limiting effect on the process of restoring democracy, of which these elections are an important part. The Observer Group cannot overlook those measures as they form the framework for the elections.

As for the conduct of the elections on polling day, I consider that they have been well-organised and for the most part transparent. On that day, while our observers encountered a number of irregularities and disturbances, we received no major complaints from polling agents, and on the whole what we observed was orderly and peaceful.

It is significant that Pakistan's political parties have chosen to fully participate in the elections, despite allegations of pre-poll rigging and the fact that major political leaders have been excluded. Of particular concern have been allegations of the widespread use of government influence and resources to favour certain parties and candidates, and conversely to disadvantage others. This has raised doubts as to whether it can be said that the playing field was truly level. I also note that the turnout has again been low, as in the past.

I welcome the fact that the elections have taken place, as promised by General Musharraf, and his assurance that the elections are a transitional step towards a more democratic dispensation in Pakistan. I look forward to further steps to enhance the democratic polity in Pakistan.

The issue of how the Commonwealth will view developments in Pakistan since the Coolum Heads of Government Meeting is not a matter on which I can pronounce: this will be considered by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) at their scheduled meeting early next month, and by Heads of Government themselves.

The full Report of the Observer Group will go further in detailing the findings, conclusions and recommendations we will be convening to the Commonwealth Secretary-General. We will complete this Report before we leave Pakistan next week.



Islamabad
11 October 2002