US concurs poll transparency objections

WASHINGTON: The United States expressed concerns about flaws in the Pakistani pre-voting process that was raised and reported by observers and other independent organisations.

In a strong statement, the State Department highlighted discrepancies and termed that these were at odds with the goals of conducting a fully fair and transparent election.

"The United States shares concerns about flaws in the pre-voting electoral process, as expressed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan,” the State Department’s spokesperson said adding that these flaws also included “constraints placed on freedoms of expression and association during the campaign period that were at odds with Pakistani authorities, stated goal of a fully fair and transparent election.”

According to the spokesperson, the United States concurs with the conclusions of the European Union Election Observation Mission, whose report noted that while there were positive changes to the legal framework for elections in Pakistan, these were overshadowed by restrictions on freedom of expression and unequal campaign opportunities.

The department reiterated that it has deep reservations over the participation of terrorist-affiliated individuals in the elections, “but we commend Pakistani voters for fully rejecting these candidates at the ballot box on Wednesday,” she said.

Taking note of election results in Pakistan, the spokesperson also commended the courage of the Pakistani people, including many women, who turned out to vote and showed resolve to determine their country’s future.

“We condemn the horrific acts of terrorist violence that marred this process, including the latest attack outside a polling station in Quetta on election day. We offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” the statement issued by the department said.

The spokesperson emphasised that the development of strong democratic and civilian institutions of governance and a vibrant civil society was critical to Pakistan’s long-term stability and prosperity.

“Along with our international partners, the United States will continue to encourage a broadening of opportunities for political participation for all Pakistanis, and for the further strengthening of legitimate, democratic institutions,” the State Department spokesperson said, while repeating that as elected officials form a new government, “the United States will look for opportunities to work with them to advance our goals of security, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.”