The Programme
Democracy Reporting International set up its Islamabad office in early 2010 to conduct a programme in support of electoral reform. The 24-month programme “Supporting Electoral Reform in Pakistan” is being funded by a grant from the European Union as a follow-up on the findings and recommendations of the European Union’s 2008 Election Observation Mission.
Pakistan returned to democratic rule through the 2008 general elections. Despite significant democratic achievements since that time, including the 18th and 19th amendments to the constitution, and the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the constitutional and electoral frameworks are subject to considerable political pressures and tensions.
Working with parliamentarians, political leaders, civil society and the media, Democracy Reporting International aims to inform the electoral reform debate and enhance the role of various stakeholders in electoral reform and democratic governance.
Electoral Reform at the Federal Level
This activity is designed to enhance Parliament’s capacity to address electoral reform and oversee the work of the election management body. Key interlocutors for this activity are the parliamentary committees dealing with electoral issues and parliamentary party leaders, whose commitment and active engagement on reform is pivotal to success. DRI offers support in the form of research and comparative information, briefing papers, presentations, national and international expertise, and facilitating stakeholder consultations.
Local Government Elections
DRI is providing in-depth analysis of the frameworks for local government elections in Pakistan. DRI supports the provincial assemblies, executive, and election management body to improve the content and process of legislation. The activities range from expert reports and advice on legal standards and international obligations to inter-institutional trainings and briefings, to qualitative assessments of elections.
Media Reporting on Elections
DRI works in close cooperation with Intermedia, a Pakistani media development organization, to improve media’s knowledge and coverage of electoral issues. The programme places a particular emphasis on improving the skills of district-based reporters to cover the local election reform process. Activities include advocacy with media leaders, trainings for journalists, the production of resource materials, the development of a code of ethics on reporting on local elections, monitoring the quantity and quality of coverage of reporting, and facilitating media’s engagement with key institutions and stakeholders involved in elections.