The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union have separately voiced concerns regarding Pakistan’s electoral process following the recent vote, urging a thorough investigation into reported irregularities. The calls for scrutiny come amidst a backdrop of allegations of interference and claims of a lack of a level playing field in the election.
The election, held on Thursday, saw a heated battle between former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s party and candidates supported by ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, both of whom declared victory separately. With elections held for 265 seats in the national assembly, a simple majority of 133 seats was required for a political party to secure power.
However, the electoral landscape was marred by allegations of interference, including arrests of activists, and restrictions on freedom of assembly, expression, and internet access. Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, saw his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party barred from participating in the polls. Despite this, independents, largely backed by Khan, secured the most seats, while Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won a considerable number as well.
Khan has consistently alleged that the powerful military is orchestrating a crackdown to eliminate his party from the political scene, while analysts and opponents suggest that Sharif enjoys support from the generals. The EU noted a “lack of a level playing field” in the electoral process, highlighting restrictions faced by certain political actors and limitations on fundamental freedoms.
The US State Department echoed similar sentiments, citing “undue restrictions” on freedom of expression and assembly, alongside instances of violence and attacks on media personnel. Furthermore, some US lawmakers, including Democratic Representatives Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar, raised concerns about military interference and urged thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct before recognizing any election winner.
Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, characterized the statements from the EU and US as “relatively mild” considering the scale of alleged rigging. Meanwhile, the UN human rights office previously condemned violence against political parties and candidates, expressing concern over the harassment and detention of Khan’s supporters.
As legal battles unfold and allegations of misconduct persist, the international community, represented by the US, UK, and EU, remains committed to working with the next government while refraining from congratulating any candidate or party. The statements underscore the need for transparency and accountability in Pakistan’s electoral process to uphold democratic principles and ensure a fair and inclusive political environment for all stakeholders.
