The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), an independent, autonomous, and constitutional body, is responsible for conducting free and fair elections in Pakistan. The results of almost all previous elections have been controversial, with political parties, independent observers, mainstream media, and even a Judicial Enquiry having pointed out large-scale irregularities. 

In recent months, the people of Pakistan have watched in dismay the role, decisions, and rulings of the ECP, and particularly the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr Sikandar Sultan Raja, in the Senate elections and in by-elections of the National and Provincial Assemblies.

There is a widespread perception that the ECP, under the leadership of Mr Sikandar Sultan Raja:

• has failed to ensure free and fair elections,
• has been unable and/or unwilling to suggest and pursue meaningful electoral reform,
• has willfully ignored orders of the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan, and
• has attempted to actively sabotage efforts to introduce reforms, such as biometric voter verification and electronic voting machines.

A recent post on the official Twitter account of the ECP of a video blog by a former television anchor widely known to be an opponent of the current government, undermining the credibility of proposed electoral reforms, including electronic voting machines, was shocking. For such a post to be made by the official handle of the body that is supposed to uphold independence and impartiality is completely unacceptable. 

We demand that:

1. The Chief Election Commissioner, Mr Sikandar Sultan Raja immediately step down and resign from his position, as he has lost the confidence of the people of Pakistan.
2. The ECP immediately take necessary and meaningful steps to ensure biometric voter verification and the use of secure electronic voting machines for the next general elections.
3. The ECP immediately take necessary and meaningful steps to ensure overseas Pakistanis' right to vote from their place of residence.