ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office took note on Saturday of statements made by several countries and organisations regarding the 2024 general elections, which were held across Pakistan on February 8.
“We are surprised by the negative tone of some of these statements, which neither take into account the complexity of the electoral process nor acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
According to the FO, these assertions overlook the incontrovertible fact that Pakistan staged peaceful and successful general elections despite facing major security concerns principally from foreign-sponsored terrorism.
“Some statements aren’t even accurate. There was no national internet blackout. Only mobile communications were suspended for the day to prevent terrorist attacks on election day. “The elections exercise has demonstrated that many commentators’ concerns were misplaced,” it continued.
According to the statement, Pakistan conducted the polls as part of its commitment to establishing a stable and democratic society. “While we value constructive advice from our friends, making negative commentary even before the completion of the electoral process is neither constructive nor objective,” the chief of staff remarked.
Pakistan will continue to work toward establishing a thriving democratic polity, with each election and peaceful transition of power bringing us closer to that goal.
“We do this not on account of the concerns expressed by others but because that is the aspiration of our people and the vision of our founding fathers,” the statement went on to say.
A day earlier, the United States and other countries questioned the credibility of the elections.
United States: Matthew Miller, US State Department
We agree with competent foreign and local election monitors who believe that these elections imposed disproportionate restrictions on free expression, association, and peaceful assembly. We condemn electoral violence, limits on the enjoyment of human rights and basic freedoms, including attacks on journalists, and restrictions on Internet and telecommunications access, and we are worried about claims of election manipulation.
Allegations of meddling or fraud should be thoroughly probed.
United Kingdom
— Lord Cameron, Foreign Secretary
We acknowledge serious concerns made regarding the fairness and inclusivity of the elections. We regret that not all parties were technically permitted to contest the elections, and that legal procedures were used to restrict some political leaders from participating and from using identifiable party emblems. We also take note of the internet access limitations imposed on polling day, the major delays in releasing results, and reports of irregularities in the counting process.
The UK urges Pakistani authorities to safeguard core human rights, such as unfettered access to information and the rule of law. This includes the right to a fair trial through adherence to due process.
This includes the right to a fair trial based on due process and an independent and transparent judicial system that is free of interference.
The European Union
— Peter Stano, Lead Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
We regret the lack of a level playing field caused by some political actors’ inability to contest the elections, restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression both online and offline, restrictions on internet access, and allegations of serious interference in the electoral process, including the arrest of political activists.
We consequently urge upon the relevant authorities to ensure a fast and thorough examination of any reported electoral irregularities, as well as to implement the recommendations of the impending EU electoral Expert Mission report.
The authorities were faced with the difficult challenge of combating major terrorist threats and attacks. The EU condemns any acts of violence that occurred in the run-up to the elections and urges all parties and players to use peaceful and democratic means to resolve differences and avoid additional violence.
The EU prioritizes political plurality, democratic ideals, independent media, a robust civil society, judicial independence, and international human rights norms as prerequisites for democratic elections. We urge on all political actors in Pakistan to engage in a peaceful and inclusive discourse aimed at forming a stable government and respecting human rights in accordance with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
