WASHINGTON: Several US legislators from both parties have urged President Joe Biden’s administration not to acknowledge Pakistan’s election results unless alleged irregularities are examined.
“Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated,” the US State Department’s spokeswoman said in a statement on Friday, expressing worry about the allegations of election meddling.
“We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly,” the statement went on to say.
“We urge the Biden Administration and Congress to look into the recent strong statements by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, and other important members in support of Pakistani democracy.
Congressman Brad Sherman, a prominent member of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that “press organisations in Pakistan should be free to report vote tabulations and there should be no unwarranted delay in announcing results.”
Along with that, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib remarked, “We must stand with the Pakistani people because their democracy is under serious threat.” They should be able to elect their leaders without influence or meddling, and the United States must ensure that our tax resources do not go to anyone who undermines this.
Congresswoman Dina Titus said she was closely monitoring the situation on the ground and urged officials to follow the rule of law.
“Free and fair elections are the foundation of a functioning democracy,” she said, denouncing the use of political violence and restrictions on freedom of expression in Pakistan.
Similarly, Congresswoman Ilhasn Omar urged the Department of State to “refrain from recognising the results until credible, independent investigations” are done into the multiple charges of corruption.
“I am profoundly concerned about reports of intervention in this week’s Pakistani election. The legitimacy of any new government is dependent on fair elections that are devoid of manipulation, intimidation, and fraud. “The Pakistani people deserve nothing short of a transparent democratic process and true representative government,” she stated.
“I support the State Department’s request for an inquiry into electoral tampering and fraud in Pakistan.Before recognizing a result, the United States should conduct a credible, independent investigation. “We must protect democracy and the will of the people,” Congressman Greg Casar wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Congresswomen Susan Wild and Summer Lee both expressed similar sentiments. “In this era of backsliding democracies, the US must make it clear that we stand with the Pakistani people and will not let their voices be erased by state violence, targeted network outages, and voter suppression,” Rep Lee stated, while Rep Wild said, “I echo the @StateDept call for a full investigation of election interference and fraud in Pakistan. Now is the moment for the international world to support the people of Pakistan.
We will not acknowledge a new government until it is obvious that democracy has prevailed.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistani American Political Action Committee (PAKPAC) urged the Biden administration and Congress to examine suspected electoral irregularities in Pakistan. In a statement issued Friday, the group said that it has obtained 75 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives for a resolution affirming strong support for Pakistani democracy, including free and fair elections, and condemning attempts to stifle public involvement in the process.
The bipartisan resolution, introduced by Republican Congressman Richard McCormick and Democrat Dan Kildee, calls on Pakistani authorities to maintain democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, while noting the preliminary results of Pakistan’s general elections held on February 8, 2024, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated on social media site X that, as a friend of Pakistan, Australia has consistently called for a free, fair, inclusive, and credible election process in accordance with Pakistan’s Constitution and international obligations. “We express our condolences for the loss of life incurred by terrorist attacks in the lead-up to and during elections.”Australia appreciates the increase in the number of women registered to vote, as well as the fact that millions of Pakistanis voted. “It is regrettable, however, that the Pakistani people were restricted in their choice, since not all political parties were allowed to contest these elections.”
