Preliminary Statement: Gender Election Monitoring Mission (GEM) Election 2013 Pakistan
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Media Release
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
Gender Election Monitoring Mission (GEM) Election 2013 Pakistan
On the 11th of May 2013 the GEM observation mission from Gender Concerns International in partnership with the Aurat Foundation, sent out 110 observers in Pakistan, to monitor election activities from gender perspective throughout the day at 555 women polling stations all over Pakistan. The experience of international and domestic observers was mixed together in order to obtain a maximum result. Election monitoring was undertaken in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Swabi, Kohat, Swat, Abbottabad, Mardan, Lower Dir, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Vehari and Gujranwala. Due to the presence of a wide network of the Aurat Foundation on grassroot level, the mission succeeded in reaching out far into the country.
The GEM Mission’s international observer team includes Ms. Sabra Bano, Head of the Mission, Ms. Magda De Meyer, the Deputy Head of the Mission who have monitored previous elections in Libya (2012), Morocco (2011), Tunisia (2011), and Pakistan (2008). Ms. Farkhanda Aurangzaib, Chief Coordinator, GEM Domestic Observers, Aurat Foundation, is coordinating the domestic observers. The press conference was chaired by Ms Sabra Bano assisted by Ms. Farkhanda Aurangzaib and Ms. Magda De Meyer.
1.
Despite pre-election times threats and attacks, female voters turned out in big numbers often present from the beginning, very enthusiastic, including old age, middle age, youth, mothers with babies and children, disabled women , women carers coming along with their families, neighbours, relatives or friends. Standing in cues from 8 am to 5 pm, at closing time a lot of women were still in line. Given the circumstances, the tenacity of women was amazing. In Sragodha, women voted for the first time in history in union councils Lilliani and Moazamabad.
While in some polling stations political agents seemed to have taken over the task of the administrative staff and have been found to ‘guide’ the female voters, in others campaigning was going on inside polling stations. In Upper Dir it was the case in the entire district and only one woman was able to cast her vote in UC Darora. In Lower Dir women were stopped from voting in seven constituencies, and in Buner district women were not allowed to vote in 17 UCs. Women were also barred to vote in several constituencies in Mardan, D.I.Khan, Nowshera, Batagram and Malakand.
3. A great job done by ECP
Although we regret that ECP is an ‘all men’s club’ , we do recognize that ECP did an enormous effort to reach out to female voters and to set up as many polling stations so that women did not have to cover great distances (the 2km rule). The introduction of SMS facility to find out where to vote and under which number, was very successful with literate and young women.
4. In and outside the polling stations
Although there were more polling stations closer to the women’s homes, the facility itself often was not up to mark: too small PSs, burning hot inside, no privacy for the voters. In another place several mixed polling stations were all in one room which led to complete chaos. No wash rooms were available for female polling staff as well as women voters at most of the stations. Water was not provided. In some polling stations material was very late and also lacking.
No sitting areas were foreseen for older, disabled or pregnant women. As cueing often took many hours in the sun, this led to fainting, sickness, throwing up.
In female PS, we mostly found female staff, although in some cases, husband or father was ‘assisting’ the female presiding officer. The extension of the voting time by EPC at the end of the day was not received in time by several presiding officers what caused frustration and chaos: women presenting themselves at 5.30pm found the polling station already closed and ballot boxes sealed which had to be sorted out with difficulty.
6. Security
Police and security often male was found in female polling stations, not always aware of exact procedures. For instance the fact that the observers could enter before opening, that they could assist counting...
7. Voters’ education
Women voters’ knowledge about vote-casting procedure was of average nature in urban centres, however, in rural areas and in rural suburbs of cities women generally lacked information about voting. Often many political party agents have been found taking advantage of this.
The media played a great role in giving women their rightful place. They were a great help in voters’ education and gave a forum to women candidates. They highlighted difficulties and injustices regarding women and gave a voice to those who are often voiceless.
CONCLUSION:
All over it was heart-warming that women in Pakistan refused to bow down and time and time again said they would not give up until they were able to vote.
Out of respect for all these courageous women who stand up for free and fair elections , even in the most barren circumstances, our main revendication remains that we call upon the ECP to declare elections null and void elections. A country that neglects its women, neglects its future!
For Further Information
Ms. Farida Qazi Qaiser,
Gender Concerns International
Head of Country Operations
Tel: 051-8441438/39