Electoral Process
In response to international scrutiny and concerns over Pakistan’s recent general elections held on February 8, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan asserted on Thursday that the electoral process is an internal sovereign affair, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to upholding constitutional obligations. FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed media queries on the global response to the elections, stating that Pakistan is dedicated to ensuring transparency in its democratic processes.
The elections saw significant participation, with nearly 60.6 million Pakistanis casting their votes. However, the polling day faced challenges, including a day-long suspension of cellular services and allegations of rigging, prompting criticism from various countries. The United States and the European Union expressed concerns about alleged electoral interference, including the detention of political activists, advocating for comprehensive investigations into accusations of irregularities and fraudulent activities.
Similar apprehensions were voiced by British Foreign Minister David Cameron and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) further emphasized the contentious nature of the polls, raising doubts about stability in the nation of over 240 million.
In Pakistan's most recent election, candidates backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan out-performed those from the party of his rival, Nawaz Sharif.
— ICIJ (@ICIJorg) February 13, 2024
Yet no party won the 169 parliamentary seats needed to form a majority government.
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In response to the international critique, the FO expressed surprise over the negative tone of statements, underscoring that criticisms overlooked the complexity of the electoral process and failed to acknowledge the enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by millions of Pakistanis. Baloch highlighted Pakistan’s democratic nature and the substantial voter turnout, welcoming foreign observers, including a group from the Commonwealth, to demonstrate the country’s commitment to transparent elections.
The FO spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan takes its constitutional obligations seriously and any actions are in conformity with domestic considerations, not influenced by external advice. Baloch pointed out that the interim report of the Commonwealth observer group affirmed the transparency and participatory nature of the general elections.
While international calls for a probe into election irregularities continue, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged Pakistani authorities and political leaders to address post-election situations through legal means, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a calm atmosphere and resolving issues within established legal frameworks.
The United States also called for a thorough investigation by Pakistan’s legal system into claims of interference and fraud, expressing concerns about instances of violence and restrictions on internet and cell phone services impacting the electoral process.
As Pakistan navigates the aftermath of the elections, diplomatic tensions and legal considerations remain at the forefront of the global discourse on the democratic processes in the country.
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