US commends courage of Pakistanis who voted in election

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has commended the courage of the people, including many women that turned out to vote in the country’s general elections and showed their resolve to determine their country’s future.

In a statement, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, also condemned the horrific acts of terrorism that marred the election process. “We offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” she said.

“The development of strong democratic and civilian institutions of governance and a vibrant civil society is critical to Pakistan’s long-term stability and prosperity,” the statement added.

Ms Nauert said: “the US shares concerns about flaws in the pre-voting process as expressed by the Human Rights of Commission of Pakistan.” These included constraints placed on freedom of expression and association during the campaign period that were at odds with Pakistan Pakistani authorities’ stated goal of a fully fair and transparent election, she explained.

“The United States concurs with the conclusions of the European Union Elections Observation Mission whose reports notes that while there were positive changes to the legal framework for election in Pakistan, these were overshadowed by restrictions on freedom of expression and unequal campaign opportunities.”

“The United States also has deep reservations over the participation of terrorist-affiliated individuals in the elections, but we commend Pakistani voters for fully rejecting these candidates at the ballot box on Wednesday.”

The statement said the US will look for opportunities to work with the newly-elected leaders to advance its goals of security, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.