Shutdowns, altered forms, media bias: Commonwealth panel lists flaws in Pakistan polls

Observer group says election credibility and transparency were compromised; report points to shutdowns, media bias, and altered results forms.

A long-awaited Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) report has concluded that Pakistan’s 2024 general elections were undermined by decisions that limited fundamental political rights, particularly those of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The 13-member mission, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, was deployed by the Commonwealth Secretariat following an invitation from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Its findings, released Tuesday and reported by ANI and Dawn, highlight a series of actions that, taken together, cast doubt on the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of the polls.

Denial of PTI’s bat symbol

Central to the report’s concerns was the Supreme Court’s decision to revoke PTI’s iconic bat election symbol, weeks before polling. This forced PTI candidates to run as independents, stripping the party of a unified identity on ballot papers.

Jonathan wrote in his “Letter of Transmittal” that while the decision had some legal grounding, “the negative consequences of this decision appeared vastly disproportionate,” significantly tilting the level playing field.

Convictions of Imran Khan and curbs on freedoms

The report also noted that Imran Khan was convicted in three separate cases just days before voting, further disadvantaging PTI. Observers flagged restrictions on freedom of association and assembly, disproportionately affecting PTI supporters, as well as curbs on journalistic freedoms.

The report cited a “culture of impunity” for violence against journalists, which, it argued, may have encouraged self-censorship. Broadcasters were even reportedly instructed to avoid mentioning Imran Khan by name, referring to him only as “PTI chair.”

Election night shutdowns and results controversy

According to ANI, the group also criticised the shutdown of cellular services on election night, which hampered transparency and slowed the transmission of results.

Dawn reported that observers reviewed documentation suggesting Forms-45 were altered to change vote tallies in some constituencies. These were then used to prepare Forms-47, raising suspicions that candidates were “illegally returned as elected.” Discrepancies in Forms-46 were also flagged.

Media imbalance and bias

The report added that while English-language media largely stuck to principles of fair reporting, state-owned PTV News “lacked balance,” with most of its coverage skewed toward PML-N and PPP, especially the former. PTI-linked independents were given less favourable coverage, according to the findings.

Reforms recommended

The 161-page report urged reforms to Pakistan’s electoral framework, campaign environment, and media conduct. Recommendations covered:

Legal consistency in interpreting election laws
Safeguards for political rights and association
Stronger protections for journalists
More inclusive participation for women and youth

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey praised the group’s “diligent work,” adding that the Secretariat has urged Pakistan’s government and electoral bodies to establish domestic mechanisms to act on the recommendations.

PTI’s reaction and international criticism

PTI had repeatedly demanded the report’s release, calling it proof of “systemic rigging, institutional bias, and deliberate targeting.” The party argued that suppression of its symbol and the jailing of its founder amounted to state-engineered disenfranchisement.

The UK government had also voiced concern at the time. Then-foreign secretary David Cameron said London regretted that not all parties could contest on equal terms, noting restrictions on internet access, delays in result reporting, and irregularities in counting.