US Issues Statement on Pakistan General Elections 2024

The United States has released an official press statement regarding Pakistan’s General Elections 2024 held on February 8, which saw millions come out to vote and exercise their right to franchise. While the polling ended yesterday at 5:00 pm, the citizens are eagerly waiting for the final results, which have been delayed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

US Department of State’s Press Statement

In its press statement, the US Department of State, said, “Millions of Pakistanis made their voices heard by voting in Pakistan’s elections on February 8, with record numbers of Pakistani women, members of religious and ethnic minority groups, and youth registered. We commend Pakistani poll workers, civil society, journalists and election observers for their work to protect and uphold Pakistan’s democratic and electoral institutions. We now look forward to timely, complete results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people.”

“We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated.”

It concluded, “The United States is prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests. We look forward to bolstering our partnership by supporting Pakistan’s economy through trade and investment. We will continue to support Pakistan strengthening its democratic institutions, engage through the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework, broaden people-to-people ties, and promote human rights including freedom of expression. We are also committed to strengthening our security cooperation and creating an environment of safety and security that affords the Pakistani people the peace, democracy, and progress they deserve.”

Election Results

As of this moment, PTI-backed Independent Candidates have taken a significant lead in the polls, as per unofficial results. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has faced delays in announcing the official results, but the trend indicates a notable influence of PTI-backed Independents across various National Assembly (NA) constituencies. The final results are eagerly awaited, and the ECP is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the political landscape post the 2024 elections in the coming days.