Amidst escalating protests triggered by allegations of rigging in the February 8 elections, the United States has voiced its apprehensions regarding reports of “intimidation and voter suppression” during the polls.
The transparency of the general elections held on February 8 has come under scrutiny, primarily due to prolonged delays in the release of results and the suspension of mobile services on polling day.
The aftermath of the elections has been marked by ambiguity, as no clear majority emerged, with independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) securing 92 National Assembly seats, followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Concerns about the fairness of the election have reverberated both within Pakistan and on the international stage. Washington, in particular, has raised alarms, previously stating concerns over “undue restrictions” on freedoms of expression and assembly.
White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized the close observation of the situation, expressing worry about reported “intimidation and voter suppression.” He noted that international monitors are currently scrutinizing the election tallies, refraining from preempting the outcome of this process.
Various parties, including PTI, JUI-F, JI, and other nationalist groups, have staged sporadic protests, alleging rigging and manipulation across different regions of the country. The calls for an investigation into the rigging allegations have extended beyond the United States to the United Kingdom, the European Union, and UN Chief Antonio Guterres, urging Pakistan to address these concerns and mitigate political tensions.
In response, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar asserted Pakistan’s sovereignty, rejecting any pressure to investigate the alleged rigging under external influence. During a press conference at the PM House, Kakar drew parallels, questioning whether Pakistan had requested the US to investigate the Capitol Hill riots. Emphasizing the nation’s autonomy, he declared that Pakistan would examine any allegations according to its laws, disregarding external demands.
