01 February 2005	Tuesday	21 Zilhaj 1425

ISLAMABAD, Jan 31: The Commonwealth is likely to monitor the forthcoming local government elections scheduled to be held in April.

This was stated by two Commonwealth Secretariat officials, Political Affairs Division Director Matthew E.K. Neuhaus and the division special adviser, Syed Sharifuddin, who called on Election Commission Secretary Kanwar Mohammad Dilshad at the EC Secretariat here on Monday.

Mr Dilshad said the commission was an independent constitutional body and measures were being taken for holding forthcoming local government elections in a free, fair and transparent manner.

He said electoral rolls for the purpose had been updated and all eligible voters were being enrolled. The commission also intends to start an awareness campaign for ensuring women participation at all levels, the EC secretary said.

When informed about the establishment of Federal Election Academy, the Commonwealth representatives appreciated the initiative to impart training to the officers and representatives of the civil society organizations.