In response to claims of election tampering in Pakistan, the European Union has urged the pertinent authorities to guarantee a prompt and comprehensive examination of all documented irregularities in the elections and to execute the suggestions of the forthcoming EU Election Expert Mission report.

Peter Stano, the principal spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated in a statement on Friday that “the EU welcomes the increased number of women registered to vote compared to the last elections.”

“As well as claims of severe interference in the electoral process, including the arrest of political activists, we regret the lack of a level playing field caused by the inability of some political actors to contest the elections, restrictions to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression both online and offline, and restrictions of access to the internet,” the statement continued.

“Therefore, we urge the pertinent authorities to guarantee a prompt and comprehensive examination of all purported irregularities in the election process and to execute the suggestions of the forthcoming EU Election Expert Mission report.”

The EU declared that it has noted the conclusion of the voting in the elections, which were held in Pakistan on February 8th, in the midst of a challenging security situation and several months of delay and uncertainty. The spokesperson said, “The Pakistani people’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law is demonstrated by their exercise of their right to vote, despite the systemic barriers still faced by women and members of minority groups.”

According to the spokeswoman, the authorities were confronted with the difficult challenge of thwarting significant threats and acts of terrorism. The EU calls on all parties and players to utilize peaceful and democratic means to settle disputes, abstaining from future violence, and condemns all acts of violence that occurred in the run-up to the elections.

The spokesperson declared, “The EU attaches paramount importance to international human rights standards, independent media, vibrant civil society, democratic values, and political pluralism, which are key for democratic elections.” “We urge all political players in Pakistan to participate in a nonviolent and inclusive discourse with the goal of establishing a stable government and upholding human rights in accordance with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s Constitution and international treaties to which Pakistan is a party.”

According to an EU spokeswoman, Pakistan is a significant partner, and the EU is eager to collaborate with the Pakistani government on the objectives set forth in the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan. The spokesperson continued, “We urge Pakistan to carry out further reforms in the domains of human rights, good governance, labor rights, and environmental standards; to rectify the deficiencies delineated in the GSP+ report of November 2023; and to pursue the essential economic reforms.”

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