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Countries including the United States and Britain have called on authorities to investigate reported irregularities in Pakistan’s elections.
Several countries are calling on authorities to investigate reports of fraud in Pakistan’s general election, where vote counting is underway.
Results began to trickle in almost 12 hours after voting in national and regional parliaments concluded on Thursday.
An independent candidate affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is leading by a narrow margin.
The polls were marred by widely criticized violence by armed groups and the suspension of mobile phone services, which prompted accusations of “political engineering”.
The military announced that around 12 people were killed and 39 injured across the country in attacks aimed at disrupting voting.
Here is the global reaction to the events so far:
America
The US State Department said it looked forward to Pakistan’s “timely and complete election results” that reflected the will of the people.
“The United States stands ready to work with the next government of Pakistan, regardless of party, to advance our shared interests,” the statement said.
“We join the assessment of credible international and local election observers that these elections included unwarranted restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” it added.
“We condemn election violence and are concerned about allegations of interference in the election process. Allegations of interference or fraud should be thoroughly investigated.”
England
The UK said it had “serious concerns about the lack of fairness and inclusiveness in the election”.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in a statement that “not all political parties” were formally able to take part in the election and that “legal proceedings” had been taken to prevent some political leaders from taking part. .
He also pointed to limited internet access and delays and irregularities in reporting.
“The UK calls on the Pakistani authorities to uphold fundamental human rights, including free access to information and the rule of law,” Prime Minister David Cameron said.
“The new government must be accountable to the people and strive to represent the interests of all Pakistan’s people and communities with equity and justice,” he added.
We recognize serious concerns about the lack of fairness and inclusiveness of Pakistan’s elections.
Authorities must uphold fundamental human rights, including free access to information and the rule of law.
I applaud everyone who voted. https://t.co/15U4EcmRjK
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) February 9, 2024
european union
The European Union praised the Pakistani people’s continued “commitment to democracy”.
Still, the coalition says it is “impacting the electoral process, including the inability of some political actors to participate in elections, freedom of assembly, freedom of expression both online and offline, restrictions on access to the internet, and arrests of political activists.” It also includes allegations of serious interference.”
The EU called on authorities to “ensure timely and complete investigations into all reported electoral fraud”.
Iran
“Iran FM Spokesman congratulated the government and people of Pakistan for successfully holding parliamentary elections, saying it demonstrated the strong standing of democracy in the country,” Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Posted on social media platform X.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Qanani added: “We wish Pakistan, a brotherly, friendly and neighboring country, further prosperity.”
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