Look forward to free, fair elections in Pak: US

Washington: Condemning the threats by terror groups to disrupt 11 May general elections in Pakistan, the United States has expressed hope that people would exercise their franchise in the Islamic nation in a free and fair atmosphere. [caption id=“attachment_769439” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Associated Press[/caption] “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,” the State Department spokesman, Patrick Ventrell, told reporters at his daily news conference on Thursday. Ventrell further supported the Pakistani citizens to participate in polls to elect their representatives. “So we support the right of the Pakistani people to participate fully in the election of their representatives and their ability to fulfil their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic nation,” he said. Ventrell said that the United States, in coordination with European Union partners, was planning to participate in election observation efforts too. Replying to a question, he 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. The State Department also maintained the views of the White House that it is looking forward to the election process and to engage with the new elected government, Ventrell observed. “The United States looks forward to witness timely, transparent, free, and fair elections in Pakistan on 11 May. These elections will mark an important democratic transition, a historic development of which the people of Pakistan can be very proud,” he said. Ventrell also expressed the United States’ hope to be engaged with the next elected government. “We do not support any particular political party or individual candidate, and we look forward to engage with the next democratically elected government,” the US official added. PTI