A/S BOUCHER MEETING WITH CHIEF ELECTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ISLAMABAD 006117 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/05/2016 TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM PK SUBJECT: A/S BOUCHER MEETING WITH CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER ISLAMABAD 00006117 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Derived from DSCG 05-01, b. ¶1. (C) Summary: In his first meeting with A/S Boucher, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Qazi Mohammad Farooq stressed his commitment to holding a free and fair election in 2007. A/S Bouhcer pledged our continued support and stressed the importance of the commission's independence as vital to successful elections. Farooq expressed strong appreciation for US Government assistance in this regard, welcoming USAID's focus on voter roles, training, and ballot boxes. Farooq promised that he would engage with political parties to rebuild the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) credibility and resolve electoral issues. Farooq noted that the greatest challenge to free and fair elections was a lack of political will, noting that if this existed the ECP had extensive powers. Farooq stressed that international observation of the electoral process was absolutely essential and that the ECP would unilaterally invite observers. End Summary. A Free, Fair, and Transparent Election ¶2. (C) A/S Boucher stressed to newly-appointed CEC Farooq that the US Government would support free and fair elections in 2007. The independence of the ECP was absolutely vital. Farooq agreed that the ECP was critical to the free and fair election that he was committed to organizing in 2007. Farooq noted that a lack of political will on the part of his predecessors was the principal obstacle to a free and fair contest. While numerous players would try to interfere in 2007, the ECP would evolve mechanisms to make such interference far more difficult and costly. With a clear legal framework now in place, the ECP can keep most violations at bay by utilizing its existing powers and authorities. Farooq noted that the ECP was largely independent with control over its finances, staffing structure, and hiring processes. Farooq promised that he would avoid the mistakes of his predecessors, including last minute changes to laws, polling operations, and polling places that had essentially served as a form of rigging. Voter Roles ¶3. (C) When A/S Boucher inquired about the difficulties ahead, Farooq stressed that his initial challenge would be the creation of accurate electoral roles. These were "the essence of free and fair elections." At least half of all complaints emanated directly from the improperly prepared voter roles currently in use. Computerization would increase public access to these vital documents and ensure that future updates can be more easily carried out. Asked about the process to be used in preparing the new lists, Farooq stated that he would scrupulously adhere to the procedures laid out in the law, including door-to-door verification and a period for public review and challenges. Farooq noted that while the ECP would certainly use data in the National Identification Card and census databases as a cross-check, an independent survey conducted by ECP staff was the only way to ensure accuracy and impartiality. Engagement with Political Parties ¶4. (C) A/S Boucher underscored the importance of regular engagement between the CEC and the heads of political parties. This would enable the ECP to address their numerous complaints about past elections and enable agreement on steps that can prevent violations in future. The CEC agreed that consultation was essential. He promised to deal with all parties on an equal basis and to address their outstanding concerns. He concurred that mutual agreement on processes was important to build the credibility of the ECP and welcomed USG assistance in creating an on-going forum. Farooq cautioned, however, that at present the parties were engaged in significant discussions with each other and would not be prepared to engage him or the ECP for at least a few ISLAMABAD 00006117 002.2 OF 002 more weeks. International Observation ¶5. (C) A/S Boucher queried Justice Farooq on his views about international observation. Farooq responded that he considered it an integral part of any free and fair election process. He said that sampling efforts would need to be expanded in the 2007 elections. Observation in all districts of the country would be essential. The ECP would unilaterally invite international observation of the process. Farooq was unconcerned about any political fallout, noting that Pakistan had a long history of observation and that the decision rested solely with the ECP. Administrative Challenges ¶6. (C) Farooq highlighted for A/S Boucher a number of other administrative challenges for the 2007 polls. The CEC praised USG assistance on transparent ballot boxes, noting that this will help to minimize allegations of rigging. Similarly, the CEC reiterated the need for training of both ECP polling staff and voters. He pointed out that strengthening the ECP's own academy was a useful starting point. While UNDP has promised some assistance, additional support was needed. (Note: UNDP Islamabad does not/not yet have approved funding for this project. End Note.) Asked by A/S Boucher about electoral conditions in the FATA and earthquake zones, Farooq was relatively confident that any challenges could be successfully addressed over the next year. He was more concerned about parts of Balochistan, where deteriorating security conditions might force the ECP to delay polls. ¶7. (U) Assistant Secretary Boucher has cleared this message. CROCKER