Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) have welcomed Pakistan’s general elections saying it was a positive sign for democracy and the people have shown a commitment towards democracy. However, they have pointed out certain loopholes and drawbacks that according to them raise serious concerns on the credibility of the elections.
High Representative of the EU JosepBorrellFontelles in a statement on Friday welcomed the successful conclusion of general elections.
“We welcome elections that took place after several months of postponement and uncertainty, and in a context of a tense security environment,” said MrJosep in a statement.
“The participation by the Pakistani people to exercise their right to vote, despite systemic barriers still faced by women and persons belonging to minorities,” the high representative viewed while welcoming the masses’ enthusiasm and keenness to exercise their right of vote. The high representative welcomed the increased number of women registered to vote compared to the last elections.
However, the high representative pointed out a number of loopholes such as saying, “We regret the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections, restrictions to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression both online and offline, restrictions of access to the internet, as well as allegations of severe interference in the electoral process, including arrests of political activists,” said MrJosepBorrellFontelles in the statement.
