Following Pakistan’s general election on Feb 8th, the United States, Britain, and the European Union expressed concerns about the electoral process and urged an investigation into reported irregularities.
The key contest pitted supporters of former Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan against each other. Both sides declared victory, despite neither securing a clear majority in the 265-seat National Assembly.
The US and EU highlighted allegations of interference, including arrests of activists, urging a thorough probe into claims of irregularities, interference, and fraud. They noted the unequal playing field due to the disqualification of certain candidates and restrictions on freedom of assembly, expression, and internet access.
Khan, jailed and barred from contesting himself, claims the powerful military is manipulating the outcome. Analysts and opponents suggest Sharif enjoys military backing.
The EU statement criticized the “lack of a level playing field,” while the US State Department noted “undue restrictions” on freedoms and violence against media workers. US lawmakers Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar urged the State Department not to recognize a winner until a proper investigation is conducted.
Michael Kugelman, from the Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute, deemed the official statements “relatively mild” considering the alleged extensive rigging.
Earlier, the UN human rights office condemned violence against parties and candidates, expressing concern over the “pattern of harassment, arrests, and prolonged detentions” of Khan’s party members.
Despite their concerns, the US, UK, and EU pledged to work with the next government, withholding congratulations from any specific candidate or party. British Foreign Minister David Cameron echoed the concerns regarding “fairness and lack of inclusivity.”
