International News
Commonwealth Observer Group Releases Final Report on Pakistan’s 2024 Elections
The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), which monitored Pakistan’s 2024 general elections, has released its final report, outlining areas for improvement and recommendations to strengthen the independence of the country’s democratic institutions.
The 13-member independent and multidisciplinary group was led by former President of Nigeria, H.E. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and was convened by former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, following an invitation from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Current Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, thanked the observers for their “diligent work and commitment to transparency.” She reaffirmed the Secretariat’s dedication to supporting democracy across member states.
“I note that some of the report’s findings were previously shared in the interim statement released two days after the election,” she said. “The Secretariat has been in contact with the government and the electoral commission and has requested relevant institutions to establish domestic mechanisms, in line with the Revised Guidelines, to convene electoral stakeholders to address the recommendations. The Secretariat will support this initiative to strengthen democracy in Pakistan for the benefit of all its people.”
In its final assessment, the COG highlighted conditions that appeared to restrict fundamental political rights and hindered one party’s ability to fairly contest the election. The group also cited the shutdown of cellular services on election night, which reduced transparency and slowed the results transmission process.
The report concluded that such developments may have “impinged on the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process.”
Despite these concerns, the observers commended the ECP’s efforts to ensure inclusive elections. They noted the expansion of the Commission’s Gender and Social Inclusion Wing, which helped reduce the gender gap in voter registration from 12% in 2013 to 7.7% in 2024. The group also welcomed the establishment of a gender hotline for reporting election-related harassment and improvements in youth voter turnout.
Looking ahead
The report emphasized Pakistan’s democratic potential, citing the country’s vibrant media, growing engagement of women and youth, and the active role of civil society organizations in pushing for reform.
“The potential of Pakistan’s democracy is enormous,” the group stated. “Pakistan has a vibrant and diverse media; women and the youth are more engaged than ever; and Pakistan’s CSOs play a critical role in the democratic life of the country, continually pushing for reform and improvement.”
The COG recommended reforms across several areas, including the legal framework and its interpretation, election administration, political rights, women’s participation, pre-election campaigns, and the role of the media.
“Our Group makes several carefully considered recommendations for improving future elections in Pakistan, which we hope will be received in the Commonwealth spirit of mutual learning and cooperation,” the report added.
The Commonwealth Observer Group operates under the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. Its role is limited to impartial observation and recommendations, based on evaluations of the pre-election environment, polling day, and the post-election period.
COGs are independent of the Commonwealth Secretariat and are typically composed of current or former parliamentarians, election officials, civil society practitioners, media representatives, gender specialists, youth leaders, and former members of the judiciary.
The final report has been shared with the Government of Pakistan and relevant stakeholders. It builds on the interim statement issued shortly after the 2024 polls and provides a full assessment of the electoral process.
Full Report here;
