Just a few moments after the European Union’s statement on Pakistan’s general elections, the Spokesperson of the United States’ Department of State issued a press release seeking specifically investigation into the claims of ‘interference or fraud’ during the polls.
“Millions of Pakistanis made their voices heard by voting in Pakistan’s elections on February 8, with record numbers of Pakistani women, members of religious and ethnic minority groups, and youth registered,” said Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, in a news statement.
He said the US appreciated Pakistani poll workers, civil society, journalists and election observers for their work to protect and uphold Pakistan’s democratic and electoral institutions.
“We now look forward to timely, complete results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people,” he said, adding “we join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.”
“We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated,” he noted in the statement.
The United States was prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests, the statement said, adding “We (US) look forward to bolstering our partnership by supporting Pakistan’s economy through trade and investment.”
“We will continue to support Pakistan strengthening its democratic institutions, engage through the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework, broaden people-to-people ties, and promote human rights including freedom of expression.”
He said the US was committed to strengthening its security cooperation and creating an environment of safety and security that affords the Pakistani people the peace, democracy, and progress they deserve.
