The chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has deplored the fact that all political parties and candidates were denied meaningful participation in the recent general elections in Pakistan.
“While I appreciate those in Pakistan who cast their ballots in the electoral process this week, this long-delayed election was unfortunately overshadowed by actions that prevented meaningful participation by all political parties and candidates,” Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md) said in a statement released Saturday .
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the deadly bomb attacks on election campaign offices in Balochistan and offer my condolences to the victims and their families. These attacks must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice,” he added in a statement available on the committee’s website.
Senator Cardin added that as Pakistan’s leaders move to form a new government, he will continue to engage with the issues that most directly impact the people of Pakistan, from promoting democracy and human rights in the country to addressing issues related to climate change and sustainable energy.
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“I look forward to continuing to seek opportunities where the United States and Pakistan can advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity in South Asia,” he added.
A day earlier, Western capitals questioned the “unreasonable restrictions” imposed during Pakistan’s February 8 election and expressed concern over allegations of vote-rigging, but pledged to work with whoever formed the next government.
In separate statements, the United States, United Kingdom and European Union called on the relevant Pakistani authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation into all reported irregularities in Thursday’s election.
FO “surprised” by the negative tone
Responding to criticism, the Foreign Office today said it was “surprised” by the negative tone of some statements by foreign countries and organizations regarding the February 8 general elections in Pakistan.
The FO said in a statement that it had “taken note” of such statements.
“We are surprised by the negative tone of some of these statements, which do not take into account the complexity of the electoral process or recognize the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis,” the FO statement said. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
The spokesman claimed that the statements “ignore” that Pakistan’s elections were peaceful and successful, while downplaying “serious security threats arising mainly from foreign-sponsored terrorism”.
