European Union Parliament Mission delegation called on the Hon’ble Acting Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan

     Islamabad, the 18th July, 2012:-        An eight member European Union Parliament Mission delegation led by Ms. Jean Lambert called on the Hon’ble Acting Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan today at the Election Commission’s Secretariat, Islamabad and discussed ways to reinforce mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship between ECP and European Union.

The Hon’ble Acting CEC told the delegation that it has been his wish and preference to strengthen democratic norms in Pakistan through implementation of electoral laws and Supreme Court’s directions, in letter and spirit at once.

He apprised the members of the delegation that preparation of Computerized Electoral Rolls is near to its completion and in all 84.3 million eligible voters have been registered including 1.58 new registrants.

Mr. Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan informed the participants that he always has been in close coordination with NADRA, visiting and observing the entire process of finalization of Electoral Rolls and even individual complaints, in addition to the representative of political parties, are being redressed on an urgent basis.

The Acting CEC observed that it is the Constitutional obligation of the ECP to conduct honest, just and fair elections; however, providing and maintaining law and order is the sole responsibility of the Executive and Local Administration.

He said that the ECP attaches high priority to have friendly relations with international community and he warmly welcomes election observers to observe the forthcoming bye-elections in NA-151 Multan-IV, scheduled to be held on 19th July 2012. He said that the ECP always welcomes positive criticism of observers and their suggestions are given high importance as that assist us in streamlining our future plan and any pointed out discrepancy is never left unaddressed.

            Ms. Lambert appreciated the steps taken by the ECP to strengthen electoral norms in Pakistan and assured all possible support in implementing electoral reforms and strengthening democracy in Pakistan. She also expressed her satisfaction at the discussions and expressed her resolve to further develop the European Union linkages with the democratic institutions in Pakistan.                                                                                                                                      ============