US Ambassador Donald Blome engaged met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja on Thursday to reaffirm his country’s commitment to upholding the principles of transparent and impartial elections in accordance with the Constitution.
According to a statement issued by the US embassy, Ambassador Blome reiterated the standpoint that the responsibility of selecting Pakistan’s future leaders exclusively rests with the Pakistani populace.
He emphasized that the United States remained resolute in its dedication to fostering and strengthening the bilateral relationship between the US and Pakistan, irrespective of the leaders chosen by the people.
The backdrop of this interaction is marked by uncertainties surrounding the timing of the upcoming general elections in Pakistan.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already made the decision to proceed with the delimitation process ahead of the forthcoming polls. This comprehensive procedure is anticipated to span around four months, potentially implying that holding elections within this year might pose challenges.
The international community, particularly Western nations, is closely monitoring these developments, with keen interest in the schedule of the elections. While reasonable delays due to technical reasons might be accommodated, an extension of the polling date beyond a certain timeframe could potentially evoke concerns from outside observers, especially Western nations.
The meeting between US Ambassador Blome and CEC Sultan Sultan Raja holds significant importance as it underscores the United States’ stance on supporting a fair and democratic electoral process in Pakistan.
