February 8 Polls
United States Senator Chris Van Hollen has called on Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of fraud and electoral interference surrounding the February 8 polls.
In a letter addressed to Pakistan’s ambassador to the U.S., Masood Khan, Senator Van Hollen expressed concern over claims of unfair restrictions on political expression and rigging during the elections.
The aftermath of the February 8 polls has been marked by allegations of rigging and result manipulation, with various political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), raising concerns.
PTI’s Sher Afzal Marwat has even moved the Supreme Court to halt the formation of federal and provincial governments, seeking the court’s intervention in setting aside Form 47 for all constituencies, alleging violations of the Election Act 2017.
Former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaqat Ali Chatha’s resignation, citing involvement in electoral rigging, added fuel to the controversy. However, Chatha later retracted his allegations, claiming they were carried out in collaboration with the PTI, which had promised him “lucrative positions in the future.”
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has also written to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), requesting an audit of the election results before approving any new loans for Islamabad.
Senator Van Hollen’s letter emphasizes that a credible investigation is crucial for any new government to gain the people’s support and effectively address economic and security challenges. It underlines that respecting the decision of the Pakistani people expressed through their votes is essential for empowering a new government to navigate critical issues, such as negotiating a new IMF agreement.
This development follows a prior statement from the U.S. State Department calling on Islamabad to ensure a full and transparent investigation into any claims of interference or fraud in the elections, following explosive rigging allegations by former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaqat Ali Chatha.
The situation highlights the international scrutiny and concern regarding the electoral process in Pakistan, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in democratic processes.
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