Condemning incidents of violence against political leaders and candidates for the May 11 elections, the US has underscored that it was important that such violence does not prevent the Pakistani people from realising their democratic aspirations.
Reacting to attacks against political leaders including Tuesday’s militant bombing on an ANP rally in Peshawar that claimed 16 lives, the State Department said it continued to look forward to timely and free elections in the country.
Spokesman Patrick Ventrell said Washington condemned all violence targeting political candidates and leaders in Pakistan.
“It’s important that violence such as this not prevent the Pakistani people from achieving their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic nation,” he noted.
“And we continue to look forward to timely, free, and fair elections with a peaceful transition of power. And as we note, this historic election marks the first civilian government to complete its term in Pakistan’s history, thus leading into elections to a new civilian government,” the spokesman added.
Asked about disqualification of former president Pervez Musharraf from running for the elections, the spokesman said the United States respected Pakistan’s constitutional procedures but had no position on the issue.
“In terms of Musharraf, we respect Pakistan’s constitutional and legal procedures and refer you to the government of Pakistan on the status of his candidacy. So we don’t take a position one way or another.”
On the US sending any election observers to Pakistan, the spokesman said the United States planned to participate along with the European Union in election observation efforts.
“The United States supports a fair and transparent election process and has committed aid as well through USAID non-partisan support to the tune of $6.5 million,” he added.