October 12, 2002	Saturday	Sha'aban 5, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 11: Japan election observation team observed on Friday that “as far it was able to see the polling and counting processes on the election day, despite some isolated cases of irregularities, to have been conducted smoothly and transparently.”

The Election Observation Team of the Government of Japan, comprising five officials from the ministry of foreign affairs in Tokyo, three officials from the embassy in Islamabad and two from the consulate general in Karachi, was split into five groups and visited Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Taxila, Murree, Lahore, Sargodha, Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera and Karachi.

A statement by the election observation team to Pakistan said that prior to the election day, there were some reported cases which could be described as “pre-poll rigging.” Some of these allegations had been made by various parties in the course of past elections as well.

The statement said, “It is hoped that, for democracy to take firm root in Pakistan, such situation will be improved.” As far as the team was able to see, the polling and counting processes on the election day were observed, despite some isolated cases of irregularities, to have been conducted smoothly and transparently, enabling to voters to cast their votes in a free and fair manner.

It is hoped that this election will further enhance Pakistan’s progress towards democratic and civilian rule. “It is hoped that after the election, a constructive and cooperative relationship will be forged between the President, the new Cabinet, and the new Parliament.”