Western capitals call for probe into election irregularities

London, Brussels, Washington regret lack of level-playing field, curbs on freedom of expression, access to internet

KARACHI:

The Western capitals on Friday called into question the "undue restrictions" put in place during the February 8 elections in Pakistan and expressed concern over allegations of vote-rigging, but pledged to work with whoever formed the next government.

The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, in their separate statements, called upon the relevant Pakistani authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all the reported irregularities in Thursday’s elections.

The statements by UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller condemned all acts of violence in the lead-up to the elections as well as on the polling day.

“We recognise, however, serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections,” Cameron said. “We regret that not all parties were formally permitted to contest the elections and that legal processes were used to prevent some political leaders from participation, and to prevent the use of recognisable party symbols,” he added.

“We also note the restrictions imposed on internet access on polling day, significant delays to the reporting of results and claims of irregularities in the counting process,” Cameron said in comments, which were echoed in the statements of both Borrell and Miller.

“We regret the lack of a level-playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections, restrictions to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression both online and offline, restrictions of access to the internet, as well as allegations of severe interference in the electoral process, including arrests of political activists,” Borrell said in his statement in Brussels.

“We therefore call upon the relevant authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities and to implement the recommendations of the upcoming EU Election Expert Mission report,” Borrell added.

Similarly, Miller said in Washington: “We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.”

He added: “We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated.”

“The UK urges authorities in Pakistan to uphold fundamental human rights including free access to information, and the rule of law. This includes the right to a fair trial, through adherence to due process and an independent and transparent judicial system, free from interference,” added Cameron.

The EU, the UK and the US welcomed the increased number of women voters compared to the last elections. “We commend all those who voted,” Cameron said. Miller also noted that millions of Pakistanis made their voices heard by voting on February 8, with record numbers of Pakistani women, members of religious and ethnic minority groups, and youth registered.

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“The participation by the Pakistani people to exercise their right to vote, despite systemic barriers still faced by women and persons belonging to minorities, demonstrates their commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” said Borrell. “We commend Pakistani poll workers, civil society, journalists and election observers for their work to uphold Pakistan’s democratic and electoral institutions,” said Miller.

Borrell said that the Pakistani authorities were faced with the challenging task of countering serious terrorist threats and attacks. He called on all parties and actors to use peaceful and democratic mechanisms to settle differences, refraining from further violence.

He underscored the importance to political pluralism, democratic values, independent media, vibrant civil society, judicial independence and international human rights standards, which, he described as the key for democratic elections.

“We call on all political actors in Pakistan to engage in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue aiming at the formation of a stable government and to respect human rights in line with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as well as with international treaties to which Pakistan is party,” he added.

The EU foreign and security policy chief emphasised that Pakistan was an important partner, and that the EU looked forward to continuing to work with Islamabad on the priorities agreed in the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan.

“We encourage Pakistan to continue reforms in the areas of human rights, good governance, as well as labour rights and environmental standards, to address the shortcomings outlined in the GSP-Plus report of November 2023, and to continue the necessary economic reforms,” he added.

Miller said that the US awaited complete results, adding that Washington was prepared to work with the coming Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to “advance our shared interests” and to bolster “our partnership by supporting Pakistan’s economy” through trade and investment.

“We will continue to support Pakistan strengthening its democratic institutions, engage through the US-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework, broaden people-to-people ties, and promote human rights including freedom of expression,” he continued.

“We are also committed to strengthening our security cooperation and creating an environment of safety and security that affords the Pakistani people the peace, democracy, and progress they deserve,” the State Department spokesperson added.

Lord Cameron stressed that for a civilian government with the mandate to deliver, crucial reforms were essential for Pakistan to flourish. “The new government must be accountable to the people it serves, and work to represent the interests of all Pakistan’s citizens and communities with equity and justice. We look forward to working with Pakistan’s next government to achieve this.”