Symbolic photo.
Islamabad: When the whole world condemned Pakistan for rigging its general elections, the pain of Pakistan came to the fore. Pakistan said on Thursday that the recently concluded parliamentary elections in the country are its internal matter. It stressed that every step it takes in this regard is in line with its own constitutional obligations and is not influenced by any outside advice. Think tanks from several countries, international media organizations and the United Nations condemned the alleged irregularities on voting day, February 8, and the delay in announcing the full results of the election, calling it rigged.
Let us tell you that due to the fractured mandate in Pakistan, a new government has not been formed yet and there is a possibility that a coalition government may be formed here with the indirect support of the powerful army. Responding to media queries regarding global reaction to the general elections held in the country last week, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan is a democratic country and lakhs of voters had participated in the general elections. Addressing the weekly press conference, Baloch said, “Pakistan takes its constitutional obligations seriously and its people are free to enjoy the rights of freedom and democracy.” Every step taken by Pakistan in this regard is in line with its own constitutional obligations, and is not influenced by outside advice.
Election results released late in Pakistan
Baloch said Pakistan had welcomed foreign observers, including a group from the Commonwealth, demonstrating the country’s commitment to transparency in the electoral process. He highlighted that the interim report of the Commonwealth Observer Group also highlighted the ‘transparency and participatory nature’ of the general elections. The comprehensive electoral process in Pakistan was completed on time. More than six crore voters exercised their franchise in the country’s 12th general elections. The process remained peaceful but mobile services were suspended on the election day, raising doubts over the process. The announcement of election results was also delayed by a day, drawing strong criticism from local parties. Later this protest increased to international level.
European Union including America expressed concern
Both the United States and the European Union expressed concern over alleged election interference, including the detention of political activists, in the wake of Pakistan election rigging. He stressed that all allegations of irregularities, misappropriation and fraudulent activities require a thorough investigation. Similar concerns were also expressed by British Foreign Minister David Cameron and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) highlighted that the contentious nature of these elections is unlikely to bring stability to the country of over 240 million people. (Language)
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