The 27-nation bloc says such a mission would be a sign of its support for the democratic process. PHOTO: APP
The European Union (EU) on Monday said it wanted to send a mission to observe upcoming national elections in the country.
Polls expected this year in Pakistan will be historic as one democratically elected government will make a smooth transition into another one under the stewardship of an independent election commission.
The EU, in a statement, expressed hope that the elections will be “peaceful, credible and transparent,” underscoring that ballot-casting should happen in an environment free of coercion and intimidation.
The 27-nation bloc will send this mission to Pakistan as a “tangible sign” of its “support for the democratic process,” the statement read. Such foreign missions have visited the country earlier and are welcomed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. However, the commission, in its code of conduct, puts forth certain guidelines for observatory groups of the sort.
EU-sponsored emissaries have published reports and recommendations about elections in Pakistan after observing polls.
Condemning violence
The EU supports Pakistan in upholding the rule of law and human rights, added the statement released on Monday
“The EU strongly condemns all acts of violence, including sectarian violence and violence against women, children and vulnerable religious minorities.”
It urged the Pakistani authorities to take the necessary action to protect the rights of all citizens affected and to bring to justice the perpetrators.
Economic ties
Talking about EU-Pak bilateral cooperation, the statement said that strategic dialogue formed the “bedrock of deeper EU-Pakistan relations for the long term.”
The EU looks forward to dialogue with the next Pakistani government, including early meetings of ministers and senior officials, and in light of progress achieved this initiative could lead to a third EU-Pakistan summit, the statement read.
Recognising that Pakistan’s next government will need to take urgent action to ensure essential political, institutional, economic, fiscal and energy reforms, the EU called on Pakistan’s political parties to build the momentum necessary to reach agreement in these areas.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 12th, 2013.
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