British High Commission announces establishment of a UK election observation mission in Pakistan
Following an invitation from the Pakistani authorities, the British High Commission is pleased to announce the establishment of a UK Election Observation Mission.
The Mission will observe Pakistan’s General Elections on 11 May. Consisting of 25 observers, it will be one of the largest international observation teams and will be deployed throughout Pakistan.
The UK Election Observation Mission is in addition to both the UK’s support for the EU Election Observation Mission and our part-funding of the Commonwealth’s own election observers.
To complement the EU, the UK Mission will observe the electoral process including the work of the election administration, campaigning activities, the conduct of the media, the process of voting and counting, and the announcement of the results.
Speaking on the occasion, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, His Excellency Adam Thomson, said:
Credible and acceptable elections on 11 May are of tremendous importance for UK - Pakistan relations. The United Kingdom firmly believes that democratic continuity and consolidation are not only vital for Pakistan’s own well-being, but are also the key to ever-stronger and deeper relations between our two countries.
International observers are a common feature in elections throughout the world, including in the UK. Observers play a central role in increasing voter confidence, deterring electoral fraud and observing the credibility of an election. All UK Election Observers will adhere to Pakistani law and will comply with the Code of Conduct for observers issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
We are committed to supporting Pakistan to develop its democracy. Credible elections that are acceptable to the people of Pakistan are the key to achieving our shared vision of a prosperous and stable Pakistan. Elections in 2013 will mark the first democratic transfer of power from one civilian government to another in Pakistan’s history. They are the clearest opportunity Pakistan has to consolidate and deepen its democracy.