Pakistan Elections
EU Ambassador Dr. Reena Cuenca has clarified that the European Union plans to send a smaller mission of election experts rather than a full-fledged observer mission for the upcoming February 8 elections in Pakistan. She distinguished between an election expert mission and an election observation mission, explaining that the former focuses solely on monitoring elections without offering political assessments or recommendations regarding fairness.
Dr. Cuenca emphasized that the findings of the mission would not be disclosed publicly without the approval of the Pakistani government. She cited the need for several months to budget and prepare for a full observation mission, expressing the EU’s lack of prior knowledge about the election date.
The EU Ambassador conveyed encouragement for the announced election date, stating that EU countries anticipate a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process in Pakistan. She underscored the elections as a crucial test for Pakistan’s commitment to democracy.
German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas supported Dr. Cuenca’s stance, acknowledging the time constraints in sending a full-fledged observer mission. While expressing confidence in the electoral process, he highlighted the importance of a level playing field for fair elections.
Ambassador Grannas refrained from commenting on the presence or absence of such conditions, expressing reliance on the functionality of Pakistani democracy.
The decision to send a smaller mission of election experts suggests a pragmatic approach by the European Union, taking into account the time constraints and the need for thorough preparations for a comprehensive observer mission. It also reflects the EU’s keen interest in Pakistan’s democratic process while managing logistical challenges.
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