"The EU looks forward to upcoming elections that are peaceful, credible, transparent, inclusive and acceptable to the Pakistani people," EU foreign ministers said in a statement. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
BRUSSELS: The European Union on Monday offered to send observers to Pakistan's elections due to be held in May, in a bid to ensure a "peaceful, credible" vote that will be "acceptable" to all.
The vote for the first time would enable the transition of power from one elected government to another, marking the first time a democratically elected government would have seen out a full term in the country.
"The EU looks forward to upcoming elections that are peaceful, credible, transparent, inclusive and acceptable to the Pakistani people," EU foreign ministers said in a statement released after talks.
The 27-nation bloc "is ready to assist by deploying an election observation mission, as a tangible sign of our support for the democratic process," the statement added.
The ministers also said they looked forward to re-energising ties with the next government and hoped quick contacts could lead to a third EU-Pakistan summit.
They recalled that the EU had given Pakistan better market access to help it overcome economic problems linked to natural disasters, and welcomed Pakistan's "constructive role in promoting a secure Afghanistan and supporting an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process."
COMMENTS (13)
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@no: This is weird. Anyone should be able to vote for anyone. Saying non Muslims can only vote for non Muslims further marginalized them.
In India though Muslims have 14% population, they have much greater political leverage because parties are trying to woo that vote bank. This rule in Pakistan simply disempowers minorities because they are not a vote bank that anyone would woo.
The EU should mind their own business
@Pakistani: no non muslims have reserved seats and non muslims have double the amount of seats that thier % this has been done to ensure non muslims mps get elected dont twist facts, if you get chance to vote for nawaz sharif this means non muslims will be able to vote twice or then complain that not enough non muslims in parliament
99% of the country doesnt vote for nawaz sharif, if u dont like pmln vote for a non muslim canddiate from another party
please make sure that convicted and criminals are not elected- this time
EU observers will only observe.
They will not be in any position to object on spot.
By the way who is guaranteeing in Pakistan the EU observers safe return back to home?
When international cricket teams are afraid of playing cricket matches in Pakistan, how come EU observers will be traveling to Pakistan?
now the govt will form a cabinet on finding ways how to decieve these observers so they don't catch voting fraud.
Ohh so bad
These observers should come long before elections and stay in Pakistan until power is transfered to legitimate winner. The anti democratic forces represented by so-called Tsunami will try everything to derail democracy.
EU has two party democracy everywhere and that's what they want to keep an eye on.
My friend the Pakistani govt is not going to heed to your online tribune comments page demands. Exercise your right by voting for the good. That is the only solution to our problems.
Gracious offer which could provide much needed credibility to a process where the looser is likely to claim that the election was rigged.
How insulting is this to us ! ?