Islamabad: Feb 27, 2012. PILDAT has expressed its deep concern over the reported cases of violence and irregularities in the by-elections held on February 25, 2012. The incidents of violence were reported from more than 30 polling stations in all the by-election constituencies as reported widely by the electronic and print media.

PILDAT especially took exception to the failure of the ECP to take timely action against a PPPP woman candidate Waheeda Shah contesting by-elections from PS-53;Tando Mohammad Khan who publically in full view of the TV Cameras physically assaulted at least two lady members of the polling staff appointed by the ECP. Despite the lapse of 40 hours, ECP was unable to register a criminal case against the influential local politician who was reportedly intimidating and threatening the victims so that they do not dare complain against the candidate. PILDAT communicated its concerns to the ECP on the same evening as the incident occurred and demanded a strict and urgent action against the candidate who took law in her own hands. PILDAT felt that by not taking immediate action, the ECP has created a sense of utter insecurity among the polling staff who will remain under the awe of local influential�s because ECP has failed to provide them the security and could not take action against the perpetrators of violence. The fact is that this particular case has become a test case for the ECP and so far ECP has miserably failed in the test.

The public display of medium to light arms and unrestrained aerial firing in broad daylight in full view of the law enforcement agencies and the media has also failed to elicit an appropriate response by the ECP.

PILDAT believes that after the unanimous passage of the 18th and 20th Constitutional Amendment the Election Commission of Pakistan has emerged as a stronger and more independent body but despite all the powers and resources placed at its disposal, it has failed to establish its authority due to its inability to take timely action and decisions on these reported cases of violence and irregularities.

PILDAT further wishes to emphasize that this inability of the Election Commission to deal with the cases of violence and irregularities in the by-elections may encourage violence in the forthcoming General election.

PILDAT wishes to reiterate that the Election Commission should take timely decisions and exert its authority to check the incidents of violence and irregularities in accordance with the laws and the provisions of the Constitution that provide the Election Commission strength and the constitutional cover to deal with such incidents.