US expresses alarm over Pakistan's electoral process, condemns violence
Pakistan
US expresses alarm over electoral process, condemns violence
(Web Desk) - The US has expressed alarm over claims of vote-rigging and questioned the ‘undue restrictions’ imposed throughout Pakistan's election process.
After Thursday's election, candidates who supported imprisoned PTI chairman were leading in the vote tally.
The independent candidates linked with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was doing better than anticipated in spite of a crackdown on the party, yet following a period of political horse trading, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was still predicted to form the next government.
Spokesman for the State Department Matthew Miller enumerated US concerns about the process while stating that Washington looked forward to "timely, complete results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people".
"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," Miller said in a statement.
"We condemn electoral violence... and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated."
Miller, however, noted the administration of President Joe Biden was "prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests," including trade, investment and security cooperation.
