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International desk: The United States on Friday questioned the fairness of Wednesday\u2019s elections in Pakistan adding that it shared the concerns expressed by the European Union and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.<\/p>\nInternational desk: The United States on Friday questioned the fairness of Wednesday\u2019s elections in Pakistan adding that it shared the concerns expressed by the European Union and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.<\/p>\n
In a statement released to the media, the US State Department underlined what it said were flaws in the pre-voting electoral process and the constraints placed on freedom of expression and association.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe United States shares concerns about flaws in the pre-voting electoral process, as expressed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan,\u201d said the department\u2019s spokesperson Heather Nauert.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese included constraints placed on freedoms of expression and association during the campaign period that were at odds with Pakistani authorities\u2019 stated goal of a fully fair and transparent election.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Nauert said the United States concurs with the conclusions of the European Union Election Observation Mission, whose report notes that while there were positive changes to the legal framework for elections in Pakistan, these were \u201covershadowed by restrictions on freedom of expression and unequal campaign opportunities\u201d.<\/p>\n
The United States also \u201chas deep reservations over the participation of terrorist-affiliated individuals in the elections,\u201d said the US official while commending Pakistani voters for \u201cfully rejecting these candidates\u201d at the ballot box on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlong 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,\u201d said Ms Nauert.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Pakistan\u2019s elected leaders 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,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
In the opening paragraph, the State Department also commended \u201cthe courage of the Pakistani people, including many women,\u201d who turned out to vote and showed resolve to determine their country\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d said the US official.<\/p>\n
Ms Heather said that the development of strong democratic and civilian institutions of governance and a vibrant civil society was critical to Pakistan\u2019s long-term stability and prosperity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
International desk: The United States on Friday questioned the fairness of Wednesday\u2019s elections in Pakistan adding that it shared the concerns expressed by the European Union and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. In a statement released to the media, the US State Department underlined what it said were flaws in the pre-voting electoral process […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":45955,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2,14],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n