Two-member delegation of Commonwealth Secretariat comprising Director Political Affairs Division Matthew E K Neuhaus and Special Advisor Political Affairs Division Syed Sharfuddin on Monday called on Election Commission of Pakistan Secretary Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad. Kanwar Dilshad briefed the delegation about the functioning of the Election Commission of Pakistan as well as steps taken by the Commission in recent past to ensure transparency and objectivity of the polls.

"Election Commission of Pakistan is an independent constitutional body that ensures all possible measures for holding forthcoming Local Government elections in a free, fair and transparent manner," he said.

Dilshad informed them the electoral rolls for the purpose had been updated and all the eligible voters, who were of 16 years of age, were being enrolled.

The Election Commission, he said intended to start soon awareness campaign for ensuring women participation at all levels.

The delegation observed Election Commission of Pakistan was a well-established organisation.

The representatives of the Commonwealth hoped the electoral observers of its secretariat were likely to observe the forthcoming Local Government elections.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005