Countries together with the US and UK referred to as for authorities to research reported irregularities in Pakistan’s election.
Several international locations have referred to as for authorities to research reported irregularities in Pakistan’s basic elections as vote counting is underneath approach.
Results began to trickle in practically 12 hours after polling for nationwide and provincial assemblies ended on Thursday.
Independent candidates affiliated with imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s occasion, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), are taking a slim lead.
Polls have been marred by violence by armed teams and a broadly criticised suspension of cell phone companies that prompted accusations of “political engineering”.
The military mentioned about 12 individuals have been killed and 39 wounded nationwide throughout assaults geared toward disrupting the vote.
Here are some world reactions to occasions up to now:
United States
The US Department of State has mentioned it’s wanting ahead to “timely, complete election results” from Pakistan reflecting the need of its individuals.
“The United States is prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests,” it mentioned in a press release.
“We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” it added.
“We condemn electoral violence … and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated.”
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom voiced “serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections”.
In a press release, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron mentioned “not all parties” have been in a position to formally contest the election and that “legal processes” have been used to forestall some political leaders from taking part.
He additionally famous restrictions to web entry, in addition to delays and irregularities in reporting.
“The UK urges authorities in Pakistan to uphold fundamental human rights including free access to information, and the rule of law,” Cameron mentioned.
“The new government must be accountable to the people it serves, and work to represent the interests of all Pakistan’s citizens and communities with equity and justice,” he added.
We recognise critical considerations over the equity and lack of inclusivity of Pakistan’s elections.
Authorities should uphold elementary human rights together with free entry to data and the rule of legislation.
I applaud all who voted. https://t.co/15U4EcmRjK
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) February 9, 2024
European Union
The European Union has praised the continued “commitment to democracy” by the individuals of Pakistan.
Still, the bloc mentioned, “We regret the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections, restrictions to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression both online and offline, restrictions of access to the internet, as well as allegations of severe interference in the electoral process, including arrests of political activists.”
The EU referred to as on authorities to “ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities”.
Iran
“Iran’s FM Spokesman congratulated Pakistan’s government & people on successfully holding their parliamentary elections, saying it shows the solid place of democracy in the country,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry posted on the social media platform X.
It added that Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani “wished the brotherly, friendly and neighbourly country of Pakistan increasing prosperity”.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/9/serious-concerns-world-reacts-to-pakistan-polls-as-vote-count-continues?traffic_source=rss
