Commonwealth Observers Call for Reforms After Pakistan’s 2024 Elections

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), led by former Nigerian President H.E. Dr.Goodluck Jonathan, has released its final report on Pakistan’s 2024 general elections.

The report highlights both progress and challenges, noting restrictions on political rights, the suspension of mobile services on election night, and other issues that may have undermined transparency and credibility.

However, the group commended the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for steps to improve inclusivity, including reducing the gender gap in voter registration and establishing a gender hotline.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in strengthening democratic institutions. She urged stakeholders to act on the recommendations, which focus on legal reforms, electoral administration, women’s participation, and media freedoms.

A final report by Commonwealth election observers has praised Pakistan’s progress in promoting inclusivity during the 2024 general elections, while warning that restrictions on political rights and communication blackouts undermined the transparency of the polls.

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), a 13-member independent mission led by former Nigerian President H.E. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has released its final assessment of Pakistan’s 2024 general elections. The mission was deployed at the invitation of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The group acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen democracy, notably reducing the voter registration gender gap from 12% in 2013 to 7.7% in 2024, and boosting youth participation — but also flagged critical shortcomings.

One of the main concerns was the suspension of mobile phone services on election night, which disrupted result transmission and reduced transparency.

The report also pointed to restrictions that limited one political party’s ability to contest fairly, warning that these issues may have “impinged on the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process.”

Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey welcomed the report and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s democratic development.

“We urge electoral stakeholders to establish domestic mechanisms to address these recommendations. The Secretariat will fully support this process,” she said.

The final report recommends reforms to the legal framework, electoral administration, campaign regulations, women’s participation, and media freedoms. It stresses that Pakistan’s democratic potential remains strong, citing a vibrant civil society, engaged youth, and greater involvement of women.

Observers concluded that despite the challenges, “the potential of Pakistan’s democracy is enormous,” and urged all stakeholders to work together in the Commonwealth spirit of mutual learning and cooperation.