The United States and United Kingdom have reacted as millions of Pakistanis made their voices heard by voting in Pakistan’s elections on February 8, with the record numbers of women, members of religious and ethnic minority groups, and youth registered.
In a separate statement, the United States through the State Department Spokesman, Mathew Miller joined credible international and local election observers in assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
While condemned electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to Internet, telecommunication services.
The United States also concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. “Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated”, US said.
The United States commended 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”.
The United States noted that its prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance their shared interests. “We look forward to bolstering our partnership by supporting Pakistan’s economy through trade and investment.
“We will continue to support Pakistan strengthening democratic institutions, engage through the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework, broaden people-to- people ties, and promote human rights including freedom of expression.
“We are also committed to strengthening our security cooperation and creating an environment of safety and security that affords the Pakistani people the peace, democracy, and progress they deserve”, the United States reiterated.
United Kingdom through the Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron in a statement recognised, however, serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections.
“We regret that not all parties were formally permitted to contest the elections and that legal processes were used to prevent some political leaders from participation, and to prevent the use of recognisable party symbols.
The UK also noted the restrictions imposed on internet access on polling day, significant delays to the reporting of results and claims of irregularities in the counting process while commended all those who voted.
United Kingdom urged authorities in Pakistan to uphold fundamental human rights including free access to information, and the rule of law. “This includes the right to a fair trial, through adherence to due process and an independent and transparent judicial system, free from interference.
“The election of a civilian government with the mandate to deliver crucial reforms is essential for Pakistan to flourish. The new government must be accountable to the people it serves.
“And work to represent the interests of all Pakistan’s citizens and communities with equity and justice. We look forward to working with Pakistan’s next government to achieve this, and across the range of our shared interests”, the UK added.
Reuter reports that the main battle was between former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s party and candidates backed by ex-prime minister Imran Khan while both declared victory separately.
Elections were held for 265 seats in the national assembly and a political party needs 133 seats for a simple majority. Khan is in jail and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has been barred from the polls.
The report further said that independents, most of them backed by Khan, had won the most seats – 98 of the 245 counted by 1830 GMT and Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) party had won 69 seats.