The key actors from the international community gave varying responses to the elections in Pakistan. While the UK and EU raised concerns about the fairness, complaints regarding electoral fraud and lack of inclusivity in the elections, the US said it will work with the elected government and develop a strong bilateral relationship.
The UK government in its statement raised concerns about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections. “We regret that not all parties were formally permitted to contest the elections and that legal processes were used to prevent some political leaders from participation, and to prevent the use of recognisable party symbols,” the UK government’s statement said.
“We also note the restrictions imposed on internet access on polling day, significant delays to the reporting of results and claims of irregularities in the counting process,” it further added, urging Pakistani authorities to “uphold fundamental human rights including free access to information and the rule of law”.
However, it asked the new government to remain accountable to the people and deliver crucial reforms essential for Pakistan to flourish. “We look forward to working with Pakistan’s next government to achieve this, and across the range of our shared interests,” the statement said.
The US state department highlighted electoral violence and restrictions to cellular and mobile internet services but said it is prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party.
“Millions of Pakistanis made their voices heard at the polls on February 8. We will work with the Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests and strive to bolster democratic institutions and broaden political participation,” Matthew Miller, US department spokesperson said in a post on social media site X.
In its statement, however, the US department expressed concern about allegations of interference in the electoral process and said claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated.
The EU in its statement called upon the relevant authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities and to implement the recommendations of the upcoming EU Election Expert Mission report.
“The authorities were faced with the challenging task of countering serious terrorist threats and attacks. The EU condemns all acts of violence, which took place in the lead up to the elections and calls on all parties and actors to use peaceful and democratic mechanisms to settle differences, refraining from further violence,” their statement said.
The Australian government said it noted the election process and the results in Pakistan but regretted that people were restricted from voting. “Australia notes the initial results of Pakistan’s general elections held on 8 February 2024. It is regrettable, however, that the Pakistani people were restricted in their choice, since not all political parties were allowed to contest these elections. We express our condolences for the loss of life incurred by terrorist attacks in the lead-up to and during elections. Australia welcomes the increase in the number of women registered to vote and the fact that millions of Pakistanis chose to vote,” the Australian foreign ministry said.
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