Pakistani authorities should investigate election irregularities: EU
Pakistan
Pakistani authorities should investigate election irregularities: EU
(Web Desk) - In response to claims of election tampering in Pakistan, the European Union has urged the authorities to guarantee a prompt and comprehensive investigation of all documented irregularities in the elections and to execute the suggestions of the forthcoming EU Election Expert Mission report.
“The EU welcomes the increased number of women registered to vote compared to the last elections,” Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in a statement on Friday.
“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,” it added.
“We therefore call upon the relevant authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities and to implement the recommendations of the upcoming EU Election Expert Mission report.”
“The participation by the Pakistani people to exercise their right to vote, despite systemic barriers still faced by women and persons belonging to minorities, demonstrates their commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” the spokesperson added.
