In a deeply disturbing turn of events, an international organization responsible for overseeing elections and democratic standards has shockingly buried a scathing report on Pakistan’s February 2024 elections, according to investigative news website Dropsitenews.com. A whistleblower, frustrated by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s failure to release the report despite promises made over a year ago, leaked it to the site. The source aimed to expose the organization’s complicity in concealing evidence of electoral fraud in Pakistan’s February 2024 elections, hoping to prompt reflection on its commitment to democracy.
WHAT THE COMMONWEALTH REPORT MENTIONS
The Commonwealth Secretariat’s report criticizes Pakistan’s 2024 elections for violations of fundamental political rights, including freedom of association, assembly, and expression. Government and judicial actions systematically limited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s ability to contest fairly, through measures like banning the party, forcing candidates to run as independents, and prohibiting their electoral symbols. PTI candidates faced violence and threats. On election day, cellular service shutdowns reduced transparency in result transmission, and discrepancies between polling station and tabulated results may have led to unlawful declarations of winners. PTI members and supporters endured arrests, detentions, disappearances, and raids on offices and homes. Internet disruptions coincided with PTI’s online campaigns and fundraisers. While noting increased youth and female voter turnout, the report questions the election’s credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness. It urges a clearer separation between military and civilian authority and new rules to safeguard democratic institutions.
DID THE PAKISTANI STATE INFLUENCE INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVERS?
The Commonwealth Secretariat informally shared the report with the Pakistani government, which requested its suppression, reports Dropsitenews.com.
The Secretary-General complied, marking the first time in the Commonwealth’s 70-year history that an elections observer report was not published. The release was delayed until after the United Nations General Assembly meeting.
Similarly, the European Union’s Election Expert Mission report on the 2024 elections remains unpublished, a historic first alongside the Commonwealth’s suppression. The European External Action Service (EEAS) blocked freedom of information requests, arguing that disclosure would harm international relations with Pakistan, even partial access risking negative perceptions.
WESTERN COMPLICITY IN OPPRESSING PAKISTANI CITIZENS?
The complicity of the Commonwealth and EU election observers in suppressing these reports signals that Pakistan’s military-backed regime can act with impunity, oppressing millions of citizens and illegally jailing former Prime Minister Imran Khan for over two years without facing international accountability. By burying evidence of electoral fraud and human rights abuses, these organizations enable the regime’s authoritarian grip, undermining democracy and emboldening further violations against the common people of Pakistan.