ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) has informed the Pakistani government that, due to time constraints, a full election observation mission for the February 8 polls won’t be feasible, The Scoop has learnt.
Unlike the 2018 elections, the EU won’t provide recommendations after the upcoming elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had invited observation missions, and the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), which has monitored Pakistani polls five times, will only send a small group of experts for the 2024 elections.
No comprehensive assessment or recommendations will be presented. EU Ambassador to Pakistan Ms Riina Kionka conveyed this decision, emphasizing the need for advanced planning for full-blown missions.
The ECP urges the Foreign Office to invite international observers for transparent elections, with a forthcoming publication of a code of conduct for observers. The ECP emphasizes its commitment to an open-door policy for observation missions during the upcoming general elections.
