Doubts raised in US over fairness of polls

The United States expressed concerns about the “flaws” in the campaign process leading up to the Pakistani election on July 25, a State Department spokesperson said on Friday, adding that they had taken "note of the election results".

In a statement released to the media, the US State Department underlined what it said were flaws in the pre-voting electoral process and the constraints placed on freedom of expression and association.

“The United States shares concerns about flaws in the pre-voting electoral process, as expressed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan,” said the department’s spokesperson Heather Nauert.

“These included constraints placed on freedoms of expression and association during the campaign period that were at odds with Pakistani authorities’ stated goal of a fully fair and transparent election.”

It further stated that they are in agreement with the conclusion of the European Union Election Observation Mission, whose report notes that while there were positive changes to the legal framework for elections in Pakistan, these were overshadowed by restrictions on freedom of expression and unequal campaign opportunities.

It further expressed concerns about the participation of terrorism-affiliated individuals contesting elections but applauded the citizens for rejecting them in the elections. "The United States commends the courage of the Pakistani people, including many women, who turned out to vote and showed resolve to determine their country's future," the statement read.

“We condemn the horrific acts of terrorist violence that marred this process, including the latest attack outside a polling station in Quetta on election day. We offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” said the US official.

The US announced that it will continue to 'encourage broadening opportunities for political participation for all Pakistanis, and for the further strengthening of legitimate, democratic institutions."

"As Pakistan's elected leaders form a new government, the United States will look for opportunities to work with them to advance our goals of security, stability, and prosperity in South Asia," said Ms Nauert.