The United States (US) has responded to Pakistan’s general elections in 2024, expressing anticipation for “timely and complete results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people.” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, in a statement, acknowledged concerns raised by credible international and local election observers, emphasizing that the elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
Miller condemned electoral violence and expressed concern about allegations of interference in the electoral process, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations into claims of interference or fraud.
Despite these concerns, he noted that the Biden administration is prepared to collaborate with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party affiliation, to advance shared interests such as trade, investment, and security cooperation.
The ongoing vote count follows widespread participation by millions of Pakistani voters amid challenges like countrywide internet and mobile shutdowns, political violence, and terror attacks.
A total of 17,816 independent and party-affiliated candidates contested for seats in the National Assembly, Punjab Assembly, Sindh Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has released unofficial results for 212 National Assembly seats out of 265, indicating independent candidates leading with 90 seats, followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz with 60 seats and Pakistan People’s Party with 48 seats. Additionally, MQM-P, IPP, and PML-Q secured notable seats in the evolving electoral landscape.
