October 12, 2002	Saturday	Sha'aban 5, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 11: The Commonwealth observers on Friday declared Pakistan’s polls, “for the most part, transparent”, but said there were doubts over whether there was a “truly level-playing field”.

“While our observers encountered a number of irregularities and disturbances, we received no major complaint from polling agents, and, on the whole, what we observed was orderly and peaceful,” the head of the team, Tan Sri Dato Musa bin Hitam, said in a preliminary statement.

“As for the conduct of elections on the polling day, I consider that they have been well organised and, for the most part, were transparent”, Mr Musa said.

Musa bin Hitam, Malaysia’s former deputy premier, also cited the allegations levelled by the opposition parties and human rights groups of the pre-poll rigging.

“Our particular concerns have been allegations of widespread use of the government influence, and resources to favour certain parties and candidates, and conversely to disadvantage others,” his statement said.

“This has raised doubts as to whether it can be said that the playing field was truly levelled”, the statement added.

However, Musa bin Hitam, who led 22 observers from the 18 Commonwealth countries, said it was significant that over 72 parties contested the polls.

“It is significant that political parties have chosen to fully participate in the elections, despite the allegations of pre-poll rigging and that the major political leaders have been excluded”, he also said.

The observers group would submit a detailed report to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) which will review Pakistan’s status when it meets in London on Nov 1.

“The CMAG will read the report and make a conclusion for action by the head of governments,” Musa bin Hitam said.

Commonwealth leaders meeting in Australia in March had decided that Pakistan’s status “should remain unchanged till the restoration of democratic government.”

He said the group had received complaints from one party about the delay in announcing the results.

“We shall take this into consideration whether this is relevant or not in our overall consideration in the final report”, he said.—AFP