Amidst protests against purported irregularities in the February 8 elections, the United States has voiced concerns regarding “intimidation and voter suppression” during the polls in Pakistan.
The transparency of the February 8 general elections has been called into question due to significant delays in result announcements and the suspension of mobile services on polling day.
“We are closely monitoring the situation,” stated White House spokesperson John Kirby during a press briefing on Thursday, expressing worries about “intimidation and voter suppression.”
Kirby also mentioned that international monitors are still reviewing the election results and refrained from preempting their findings.
Various parties including PTI, JUI-F, JI, and other nationalist groups have staged sporadic protests alleging rigging and manipulation across the country.
Last week’s elections did not yield a decisive majority for any party, although independent candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured 92 seats in the National Assembly, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Doubts have arisen regarding the fairness of the February 8 election, both domestically in Pakistan and in major foreign capitals. Washington had previously criticized what it termed “undue restrictions” on freedom of expression and assembly.
In addition to the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and UN Chief Antonio Guterres have urged Pakistan to investigate the allegations of rigging and work towards reducing political tensions.
However, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar stated on Monday that Pakistan would not investigate the alleged rigging under any external pressure.
