WASHINGTON : The United States supports free, fair, and transparentelections in Pakistan, US Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauertsaid.
“The United States supports free, fair, and transparent, accountableelections in Pakistan as we do in other countries around the world,” shesaid at a press briefing in Washington.
Ms Nauert was responding to a question about the current governmentcompleting its term on May 31 and general elections announced going to takeplace on July 27.
She said the US along with other international partners, has supportedPakistan’s implementation of its historic 2017 electoral reforms law.
“My understanding is that this is the first time that law will actually beput into effect for these elections. We hope that the new comprehensive andtransparent legal framework facilitates the peaceful transfer of civilianpower to a democratically elected government.”
When asked if the State Department carrying out an investigation against aUS diplomat involved in a traffic accident in Islamabad and any updatethereof, Ms Nauert feigned ignorance.
However, the State Department spokesperson said she was unaware if thecountry would send any observers to Pakistan for the upcoming election. Thecountry polls its next government into power on July 25.
International analysts visited the country to observe the last generalelection that happened in 2013.
“I’m not aware if we would send any observers on the ground,” said HeatherNauert, the acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and PublicAffairs. “We tend to support international organizations that doparticipate as observers.”