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US reiterates call for probe into alleged irregularities in Pakistan elections

State Dept spokesperson Matthew Miller says its internal matter of Pakistan how it forms govt
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responds to a query at the press briefing in Washington on February 14, 2024. Screengrab via US State Department website
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responds to a query at the press briefing in Washington on February 14, 2024. Screengrab via US State Department website

The United States administration has reiterated its call for investigations into alleged irregularities in Pakistan elections.

“So we have called for those allegations to be investigated. We think that’s appropriate step to take. That’s – that is our response to questions of irregularities not just in Pakistan, but when we see them anywhere in the world,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in response to a query at the press briefing on Wednesday.

A day after the elections on Feb 8, the US joined the European Union and the United Kingdom in expressing concerns over the allegations of interference in the elections. Australia was also worried about the limited choices for Pakistani people in the polls.

Earlier this week, the administration urged Pakistan to respect the will of the election.

Elections were held for 265 seats in the national assembly and a political party needs 134 seats for a simple majority.

At the press briefing, a journalist asked the spokesperson how the US State Department was tackling the pressure from some of the US lawmakers who are asking the State Department not to accept the results of the Pakistan election until and unless thoroughly allegations of rigging are investigated.

“We think that they’re thoroughly investigated and resolved. And so that – we will continue to call for that. But at the same time, it’s clear that the elections in Pakistan were competitive, and we look forward to working with the government, once it’s formed, that the people of Pakistan elected,” Miller said.

When asked, the spokesperson added that it was an internal matter of Pakistan how the country forms the government without independent candidates backed by Imran Khan’s party.

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The former prime minister has asked his party leaders to approach every political party except the PPP, PML-N, and MQM-P. The three parties are major parties of the coalition that have come forth to form a coalition government.

“Look, that is ultimately an internal matter. You see this in a number of countries that have parliamentary systems of government, where no country has – or – I’m sorry – where no party has established a majority you see the kind of coalitions that are formed. Ultimately that’s not a decision for the United States to make. It’s a decision for Pakistan to make,” Miller said.

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