FAFEN suggests three-stage methodology to audit 2024 elections

ISLAMABAD: The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has put forward a proposed methodology in three stages for auditing the results of the 2024 elections amidst accusations of electoral irregularities.

As per a press release issued on Sunday, the independent poll monitoring organization has urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to meticulously review the outcomes of constituencies contested by political parties and candidates through a comprehensive analysis utilizing data analytics and forensics, aiming to validate the “authenticity of the General Election 2024 results”.

The statement stressed the importance of inclusivity in the audit process, advocating for the involvement of representatives nominated by concerned political parties along with independent observers to ensure transparency and credibility.

FAFEN emphasized its longstanding advocacy, dating back to 2013, urging the ECP to conduct scrutiny of all constituency results before the declaration of winners to bolster the integrity of election outcomes and mitigate post-election disputes.

The watchdog underlined the pressing need for a swift response from the ECP in light of the post-election scenario to substantiate claims of irregularities and to ascertain that the GE-2024 results genuinely reflect the electorate’s will.

FAFEN clarified that its proposed audit is based purely on tangible evidence, specifically the official election documentation outlined under Section 99 of the Elections Act, 2017. These documents encompass various forms including tamper-evident bags containing ballot papers, counterfoils, marked copies of electoral rolls, ballot paper accounts, and result forms, among others.

The proposed audit methodology encompasses three key stages:

• The first stage involves assessing the availability, authentication, completeness and correctness of the election documentation including the result forms, and the consistency of information within and amongst these forms.
• The second stage involves ascertainment of material effect of unverified forms on election outcome and taking corrective action.
• The third stage involves determination of the omission and commission and accountability of election officials.
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FAFEN highlighted the extensive logistical efforts required by the ECP, necessitating the deployment of hundreds of thousands of officials from various governmental bodies. The statement underscored the significance of meticulous documentation throughout the election process to establish a comprehensive trail of results.

Addressing common challenges surrounding Form-45 and its consolidation, FAFEN urged the ECP to clarify the legality of multiple copies generated on Election Day.

Moreover, FAFEN called upon the ECP to encourage prompt reporting of complaints regarding irregularities and violations of the Elections Act, 2017, from political parties and candidates.