pkpatriotic
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Updated at: 2135 PST, Friday, April 18, 2008- The NEWS
KARACHI: Visiting European Union Election observation mission Friday urged Pakistan to undertake major reforms on apriority basis in order to bring its electoral process in line with international standards.
Quoting an old Elvis Presley song 'Now or Never,' head of EU Election observation mission & European Parliament member, Michael Gahler told newsmen here that ``if corrective measures were not taken in problematic areas identified after February 18 elections, there was a serious risk of electoral problems in future.''
The mission released a 70-page report immediately after polls, pointing out that a level playing field was not provided to opposition candidates and state resources were misused in favour of former ruling party candidates.
He asked Pakistan to increase electoral participation of women which presently stands at around 44 per cent, though women are in a majority in the country. There are over 60 million registered voters across the country.
An improvement in the electoral process would substantially increase the country's political profile in the eyes of European Union, Gahler added.
He defended the part of its report that criticized Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)
.
Gahler said MQM was not happy with some findings and wordings and apparently there was some confusion.
However, he said MQM was an effective political party and enjoyed common ground with other national political parties.
UNQUOTE
NOTE: The Summery of stated press confrence held on 16 April wednesday, in Urdu version of "Express News" is encloed herewith as attachment.
KARACHI: Visiting European Union Election observation mission Friday urged Pakistan to undertake major reforms on apriority basis in order to bring its electoral process in line with international standards.
Quoting an old Elvis Presley song 'Now or Never,' head of EU Election observation mission & European Parliament member, Michael Gahler told newsmen here that ``if corrective measures were not taken in problematic areas identified after February 18 elections, there was a serious risk of electoral problems in future.''
The mission released a 70-page report immediately after polls, pointing out that a level playing field was not provided to opposition candidates and state resources were misused in favour of former ruling party candidates.
He asked Pakistan to increase electoral participation of women which presently stands at around 44 per cent, though women are in a majority in the country. There are over 60 million registered voters across the country.
An improvement in the electoral process would substantially increase the country's political profile in the eyes of European Union, Gahler added.
He defended the part of its report that criticized Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)
.Gahler said MQM was not happy with some findings and wordings and apparently there was some confusion.
However, he said MQM was an effective political party and enjoyed common ground with other national political parties.
UNQUOTE
NOTE: The Summery of stated press confrence held on 16 April wednesday, in Urdu version of "Express News" is encloed herewith as attachment.
