CGEP Meetings

21st Meeting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process: February 02, 2010; Islamabad

The Citizens Group on Electoral Process-CGEP held its 21^st meeting on Tuesday, February 02, 2010 at Islamabad. Mr. Shahid Hamid was invited to be in the chair. The CGEP discussed various issues relating to the Computerised Electoral Rolls in Pakistan. The Group, which formulated its detailed recommendations ahead of February 2008 elections and later through further consultations, was briefed by Mr. Tariq Malik, Deputy Chairman, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) on the topic of Accurate Electorate Rolls and the Possible  Role  of  NADRA

while Sheikh Jalil Ahmed, Deputy Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan, shared the perspective of the ECP on preparation of the Electoral Rolls since February 2008 General Election. The Group recorded its recommendations and approved its Background Paper on the State of Electoral Rolls in Pakistan.

20th Meeting of the CGEP: February 01, 2009

A meeting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process-CGEP was held in Lahore on February 01, 2009 in order to review the potential set-back to democracy arising out of a judgment either way in the proceedings of a case challenging the eligibility of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif & Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. It was decided that eminent, non-partisan persons associated with various groups of PILDAT, should address an urgent letter to the Prime Minister suggesting a Presidential pardon for Mr. Nawaz Sharif and Mr. Shahbaz Sharif. It was suggested that this seems to be the only course to avoid a confrontation and agitation that may disrupt the nascent democratic order.

19th Meeting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process: December 02, 2008

The CGEP continued its exploration of the electoral reforms at the level of various meetings in the period and finally met on December 02, 2008 to review and finalise the revised electoral reforms compiled during the period. The Group also interacted with the regional expert called in for the roundtable from Sri Lanka, Mr. Kingsley Rodrigo, Director, Centre for Policy Alternatives, Sri Lanka, and held a teleconference with the former Indian Election Commissioner in the light of his paper on Electoral Reforms.

18th Meeting of the CGEP: February 21, 2008; Islamabad

In order to analyse the polling day and post-poll process after February 18 General Election, the Citizens Group on Electoral Process – CGEP met in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Saeed uz Zaman Siddiqiui. The CGEP discussed in detail the polling-day atmosphere in the country looking at various reports and at serious complaints from a number of constituencies that it feels need to be addressed through an independent judicial process. The CGEP believed it is a welcome development that the results of the election have been accepted by all the major political parties. The CGEP issued a detailed statement demanding Political Parties to Respect Public Mandate; Non-Interference in Formation of New Governments by the Presidency, by Local and Foreign Elements; Restoration of Judiciary; Musharraf to Step Down from Presidency and Independent Judicial Enquiry into Incidents of Poll-day Rigging.

17th Meeting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process: February 01, 2008; Islamabad

The Citizens Group on Electoral Process held its 17th meeting on Friday, February 01, 2008 at Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Saeed uz Zaman Siddiqui. The Group discussed in detail the prevailing political and Electoral Scenario, CGEP’s position on the Electoral and Political Issues. The Group was briefed about the CGEP Electoral Fact Finding Mission to Attock and its meeting with the PPP leadership. The Group also reviewed a background paper on the Structure and Functions of the Election Commission of Pakistan – a research especially commissioned by PILDAT for CGEP. The Group decided to hold meetings with the leadership of PML-Q and the PML-N as well as undertake Electoral Fact Finding Missions.

16th Meeting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process: January 4, 2008; Lahore

In a meeting held on Friday, January 4, 2008 at Lahore, the Citizens Group on Electoral Process discussed in detail the tragic assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the postponement of elections. The Group Members filled out individual score cards of pre-poll fairness rating the weightage of issues influencing the pre-electoral environment as well as assigned score to each parameter.

15th Sitting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process: December 17, 2007

In its 15th meeting, the Group discussed in detail the Constitutional Amendments made by Gen. (Retd.) Musharraf at the time of lifting ‘emergency’ and their impact on Elections, the Group declared these to be unconstitutional and decided to issue a statement. The members highlighted that in order to achieve his objective of staying in power, Gen. (Retd.) Pervez Musharraf has been creating illegal realities.

14th Meeting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process: December 13, 2007

The 14th meeting of the Citizens Group was held in Islamabad on December 13, 2007. The Group discussed in detail the options of election boycott and participation and reached a consensus that in the current circumstances, election was the only means to mobilize the public in order to get rid of the lawlessness of Gen. (Retd.) Musharraf. The Group appreciated the stance of the lawyers’ community which believed in boycotting the elections but held that while this was a principled position, it could only achieve the results if the entire opposition boycotted the election. With two major parties participating in the election, the civil society should play its role to monitor the fairness of elections.

13th Meeting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process: November 17, 2007

The Citizens Group on Electoral Process held an extra-ordinary meeting Saturday, November 17, 2007 at Islamabad to discuss the political and electoral scenario in the aftermath of imposition of emergency. The Group discussed in detail the imposition of Martial Law under the garb of emergency as well as the removal of the SC judges and the ban on the media. The Group decided to issue a statement presenting its perspective. The Group drafted and finalized a statement that was issued to the media.

12th Meeting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process: October 25, 2007; Quetta

The Citizens Group undertook an Electoral Fact Finding Mission to Quetta. The mission incorporated the CGEP 12th Sitting as well as an interactive seminar by the Group, its interaction with various political parties and government representatives in Balochistan. The meeting was chaired by Justice (Retd.) Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui, Former Chief Justice of Pakistan. The Group discussed in detail the National Reconciliation Ordinance in the light of a background paper commissioned for the Group. The Group also discussed the draft ECP Code of Conduct and compared it with earlier CGEP-proposed Code of Conduct issued in July 2007. The Group reviewed the prevailing electoral scenario and issued a statement carrying its review.

11th Sitting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process: September 28, 2007

In view of the rapidly-changing political scenario in the country, the CGEP meeting was held on Friday, September 28, 2007 at Hotel Pearl Continental, Lahore. The Group discussed Justice (Retd.) Wajihuddin Ahmed’s Resignation as Member and Chairman from CGEP and passed a unanimous resolution paying tribute to Justice (Retd.) Wajihuddin Ahmed’s services to the Group and its objectives as chairman and member of the Group. Justice (Retd.) Wajihuddin Ahmed had resigned from the Group following his nomination as a Presidential Candidate by the Lawyers movement. The Citizens Group includes eminent Pakistanis well-versed with electoral process but with no present affiliation with any political party. Justice Wajihuddin  was  elected  Chairman  of the   group in

December 2006 when CGEP held its first meeting. The Group decided to wait for the detailed judgement of the Supreme Court to take a position on the issue of judgement and the Presidential Election. Earlier, the Group members participated in a televised dialogue on issues relating to the Presidential Election. The dialogue was moderated by Syed Tallat Hussain for Aaj TV.

10th Sitting of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process: September 11, 2007

The Citizens Group met on September 11, 2007 to review in detail the scenario developing due to the deportation of Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on September 10 and its impact on free and fair election. In its meeting, the Group members especially focused on constitutionality and sovereignty issues emanating out of the episode and believed that Mr. Sharif’s deportation clouded the prospects of free and fair election in the country as removal of the leader of a mainstream political party from the scene amounts to throttling the democratic process. The Group held that Mr. Sharif’s deportation and the manner in which it was carried-out by the Government, was a clear violation of  the letter  and  spirit of  the Constitution of  Pakistan and the judgment of the Supreme  Court.

The Group believed that another matter of concern for the country is that the Government and its political affiliates appear to have adopted a confrontational stance towards Superior Judiciary. Corresponding to the deportation of Mr. Nawaz Sharif, the Group noted that an unruly crowd, led by the leaders of a political party, almost besieged the Sindh High Court in Karachi on the same day. This made it impossible for the court to continue its proceedings on the unfortunate incidents of May 12 in Karachi.

9th Sitting of Citizens Group on Electoral Process: August 24, 2007

The Group members were briefed in detail about the outcome of PILDAT’s petition in the Supreme Court on the issue of Electoral Rolls. The Group discussed various scenarios affecting the prospects of free and fair elections in the country. The Group members later appeared in recording of a TV programme of Aaj television titled “Vote” on the issue of prospects of free and fair elections. Later a seminar was held by CGEP in which CGEP members shared in detail their perspectives and positions on the challenges relating to free and fair elections with a range of participants including civil society organisations, youth groups and media.

8th Sitting of Citizens Group: July 20, 2007

In its meeting held Friday, July 20, 2007 at Islamabad, the Group began by discussing the post-Lal Masjid operation scenario in the country as well as the expected judgement of the Supreme Court in the Chief Justice case. The Group noted with regret that although the government needed to resolve the issue of Lal Masjid, the excessive use of force employed was grossly wrong. The Group agreed that it was the person of Gen. Pervez Musharraf which had become unacceptable to such elements in the country and that any semblance of return to normalcy is not possible until Gen. Musharraf is at the helm of the affairs in the country. The Group reviewed various electoral reforms it wished to put forward in the public domain. The Group members underwent an exercise to review conditions and environment since December  2006 affecting

the prospects of Free and Fair Elections with the help of a draft matrix created by PILDAT. The overall results showed the Group to be, as one member put it, “less pessimistic” about the prospects of free and fair elections in July 2007 than was the case in December 2006. However, there was a consensus that the matrix needed to be re-drawn giving due weightage to certain overriding factors such as the role of the President.

Meeting 7: Friday, June 22, 2007

7th Meeting of CGEP was held on Friday, June 22, 2007 at PILDAT Office, Islamabad. In the absence of CGEP Chairman Justice (Retd.) Wajih-ud-Din Ahmad, the Group members requested Mr. Shahid Hamid to carry out the responsibilities of the chair of the meeting.  The Group discussed the ongoing judicial crisis and possible scenarios. The Group also discussed what practical course could it adopt vis-à-vis the President’s election which it believes is morally and constitutionally untenable. Reviewing the issues related to draft electoral rolls prepared by the ECP, the Group decided that it should prepare a petition and move the court on the issue  asking  immediately for extension in the date of display period of electoral rolls. The Group also discussed and finalised a draft Code of Conduct for Elections. 

Meeting 6 : Monday, May 21, 2007

Meeting 6 of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process (CGEP) was held on Monday, May 21, 2007 at Lahore. The Group reviewed various reported developments relating to the General Election and the Presidential Elections. Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani made a presentation on the topic of "Election Data of Pakistan as a Tool of Monitoring Electoral Fairness". The Group also discussed its draft Policy Paper on Presidential Elections and decided that after receiving the members’ input, PILDAT will print the paper and release it to the media with an executive summary. Presenting an overview of the follow-up from Meeting 5, Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob shared that 3 new members were included in the CGEP including Mr. Kamran Khan, Mr. Tasneem Noorani and Ms. Anjum Niaz.

Meeting 5: Friday, April 27, 2007

Meeting 5 of the Citizens Group on Electoral Process (CGEP) was held on Friday, April 27, 2007 at Islamabad. The Group decided to consult with leading political parties to get their input on electoral processes. A detailed discussion took place on the topic of the election of the President from the current assemblies and the position of the group on the issue. The Group took stock of the on-going ‘Judicial Crisis’ and implications for the next elections and decided to keep it on the agenda for coming meetings.

Meeting 4: CGEP Comments on the Judicial Crisis, Saturday, March 31 2007

In its 4th Meeting held on March 31, 2007 at Islamabad, the Citizens Group on Electoral Process (CGEP) expressed grave concern over the government’s stance in the matter of President’s reference against the Chief Justice and the issues surrounding it. In a press statement, the Group observed that the manner in which Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry was treated by the Government of Pakistan is derogatory and contemptuous of the judiciary itself. Also, there is no provision in the constitution nor any precedent by which a supreme court judge can be restrained from working, made non-functional and then sent on purported compulsory leave. The group wished to place  on  record  its  disapproval  of  the manner and  mode  by which the judicial pillar of the state has been seriously damaged by the  executive.  It was

of the considered opinion that these actions have grossly undermined the prospects of free and fair elections and specially that of the President.

The group also noted with concern the pressure that is being exerted on the media. This is a direct threat to fundamental freedoms enshrined in the constitution. It is to the media’s credit that it is resisting all these pressures and continues to inform the public without fear or favour.  

While these developments are disturbing, the group noted with deep appreciation the response of the lawyers’ community and civil society. This has rekindled the hope for justice, fair play and the rule of law.

Meeting 3: Friday, February 23, 2007

In Meeting 3 of the Group on February 23, 2007 at Lahore, the Citizens Group on Electoral Process noted that it had already communicated its concerns about the manner in which the new voters’ lists were being prepared to the election commission but had not received any response so far.

The Group also noted that under Article 41 of the Constitution the President, was the Head of state and represented the Unity of the Republic. The present President had also taken a constitutional oath not to engage in any political activity in his dual  capacity  as a  member of the  Armed Forces of  Pakistan. Some of the previous Presidents had resigned from their political offices and  parties  after

their election as president to ensure  that all manner of people accepted them as representing in their person the unity of the federation. The group was of the view that in these circumstances it was not appropriate for the Chief of Army Staff and the President to publicly campaign for a particular political party and urged him to desist from doing so.

The Group urged the Election Commission to hold an immediate inquiry into the complaints about the alleged rigging and irregularities in the recent bye-elections in Sindh in order to ensure that such complaints or rigging does not recur in the coming General Election.

Meeting 2: Saturday, January 23, 2007

In its second meeting held on January 20, 2007 at Lahore, the Citizens Group on Electoral Process considered the working paper on the Fresh Electoral Rolls being prepared by the Election Commission of Pakistan as well as Background Papers on Possible Ways to Rig Elections in Pakistan, Practice of Compulsory Voting, and Code of Conduct During Elections especially prepared by PILDAT for the CGEP. The Group also decided to intimate about the formation of the Group to major Political Parties of Pakistan. The Group also deliberated about the on-going preparation of fresh Electoral Rolls and its various aspects and decided to write a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner on the subject stressing that the early correct and complete compilation of the electoral rolls is a sine qua non for the holding of free, fair and transparent elections.

Meeting 1: Formation of CGEP Thursday, December 28, 2006

In its first meeting held at Islamabad on December 28, 2006, the Group finalised its name as well as the Terms of Reference and Rules of Business. The Group decided that the monthly reports covering electoral processes prepared for review of the Group by PILDAT will rely on news media reports as well as other available sources.

The formation of the Group was facilitated by PILDAT in the background that there is a need for indigenous monitoring of the electoral process in Pakistan as early as a year before the next general election is expected to be held (November 2007 to February 2008) to  ensure active monitoring  and  highlighting  of electoral processes leading up to General Election in 2007/08. While

traditionally Pakistan welcomes election observation teams from regional and international organisations, these observer missions arrive in Pakistan near the day of election and their reports comment on the electoral processes that are taking place close to the polling date. In the specific context of Pakistan, long-term (About a year) electoral process preceding the polling date is extremely important in determining the fairness and credibility of the election.

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