SWAT: Speakers at a seminar here on Wednesday stressed the need for holding free, fair and peaceful elections and urged people to participate in the democratic process.

The seminar organised by Caravan in collaboration with Free and Fair Elections (Fafen) in Swat Press Club. Candidates for National and provincial assemblies from Swat, civil society members and journalists participated in the event.

Senior programme coordinator Humaira, programme coordinator Jamal Shah and Advocate Asad Madani conducted the seminar while political and social leader Shehzad Gujar participated in it on special invitation

Speakers highlighted the significance of adhering to established laws and regulations during electioneering and on the day of elections. They said that it was a right of voters to seek free, fair and transparent elections.

They said that people needed to know their roles and responsibilities in empowering marginalised communities and promoting participation in the upcoming elections.

“In order to make the general elections peaceful, transparent and fair, it is necessary to follow the rules and regulations issued by Election Commission of Pakistan,” they said.

Speakers said that Fafen had been working since the 2002 general elections to inform political parties, candidates and polling agents regarding the implementation of election rules and regulations.

They said that important suggestions and proposals presented in the seminar were already made part of the Election Act, 2017.

“Our long-term observers are already working in each ward to observe the activities of candidates. On the day of elections, 66,000 observers will be on duty to monitor every activity. They will prepare their comprehensive reports regarding any irregularities on the day of elections,” they said.

Speakers said that Fafen was working to ensure participation of citizens, especially women and persons with disabilities, in general elections.

“About 20 networks and 500 civil society organisations are working together with Fafen,” they said. They added that it was very important to follow all the rules and regulations set by Election Commission of Pakistan during the election campaign and also on the polling day.

They said that everyone should abide by the rules and regulations. They said that it would be difficult to hold transparent and peaceful elections without following the standard operating procedures established for election rules and regulations.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2024