The United States has condemned militant threats to disrupt today’s national election in Pakistan and reaffirmed its full support for people’s right to participate fully in election of their representatives and fulfill their aspirations for a prosperous and democratic nation.
“The United States condemns the recent violence that has targeted politicians and their supporters during the electoral campaign in Pakistan. We condemn recent statements by militant groups indicating their intent to disrupt Pakistan’s democratic process,” State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said.
The United States, in coordination with European Union partners, plans to participate in election observation efforts.
In answer to a question, Ventrell said, “We are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help support a fair and transparent election process. But it is consistent with practices around the world, where there’s a tradition of democracies hosting observers to support their efforts to conduct free and fair elections,” he said.
Washington, he said, looked forward to witnessing timely, transparent, free, and fair elections in Pakistan on May 11.
“These elections will mark an important democratic transition, a historic development of which the people of Pakistan can be very proud,” the official said.
“We do not support any particular political party or individual candidate and we look forward to engaging with the next democratically elected government,” the spokesman said.