US wants rigging allegations in Pakistan should be fully investigated
Pakistan
Spokesperson Matthew Miller says US ready to work with any govt that assumes power in Pakistan
WASHINGTON (Web Desk) - The United States is ready to work with any government that would assume power in Pakistan, a State Department official said on Monday.
The State Department official said this amid rumours of horse-trading in the absence of a clear majority after general elections in the country and also the delay in declaring results on all National Assembly seats.
Contrary to its earlier claim, the Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday blamed the suspension of Internet and mobile services on Feb 8 - when countrywide polling took place - and said it did "create hindrance" in declaring results promptly.
It also claimed that the delay did not harm "any specific political party".
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, while talking to reporters at his daily news conference, said, "I don't think there is a new Pakistani government yet. I believe there are still discussions going on about the formation of a government."
"But one of the things that we have said leading up to the elections, and we'll continue to make clear, is that whoever the Pakistani people choose to represent them, we will work with that government," he added.
"And as to the claims of fraud, we want to see those fully investigated," the US State Department spokesperson said, responding to questions on the allegations of vote tampering in the elections.
Miller said, "Let me just reiterate that we do think that the claims of fraud need to be fully investigated."
That said, it was clearly a competitive elections in which people were able to exercise their choice.
Now, that said, there were irregularities; we want to see them investigated. "But ultimately, we respect the democratic process and we're ready to work with the government once it's formed."
He also congratulated the Pakistani people - including poll workers and observers, civil society members and journalists who protected the country's democratic and electoral institutions - for participating in the elections.
"We emphasise repeatedly ... that we want to see the rule of law, respect for the Constitution, free press and vibrant civil society respected in the run-up to the elections. We continue to believe that's the case.
"We condemn political and election-related violence and restrictions on Internet and cell phone service. Those negatively impacted the electoral service," he further said.
"The claims of interference and fraud that we have seen raised, we want to ensure (those) are fully investigated by Pakistan's legal system and we will be continuing to monitor that in the days ahead," he added.
