ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday extended a formal invitation to international observers to monitor the upcoming national polls, saying their presence in the country would ensure transparency and strengthen the democratic process.

The ECP has tentatively scheduled the elections in the last week of January, though it has not announced the exact date of the contest as yet.

Pakistan was expected to hold the national polls within 90 days after the lower house of parliament was dissolved days ahead of the expiration of its term in August. However, the ECP said it was going to redraw hundreds of national and provincial assembly constituencies on the basis of a digital census carried out earlier this year before organizing the polls.

Some Pakistani political parties have, meanwhile, complained that they are not getting a “level-playing field” while urging ECP officials to announce the exact election date.

“The Election Commission of Pakistan has an Open Door Policy for accreditation of any national and international Observer,” the ECP said in the invitation, adding the observers should monitor the polling process impartially and share their feedback and reports.

It maintained foreign observers must first get their accreditation from the election commission, asking them to submit their application forms by using Pakistan Online Portal managed by the foreign ministry of the country.

“We believe that the presence of international observers will add a valuable dimension to the electoral process, ensuring its transparency and impartiality while lending credibility to our electoral process.”

It added all necessary arrangements would be made for international observers to carry out their duties effectively and independently.