With no party reaching a majority, Pakistan may once again form a coalition government.
Washington:
The White House said it was concerned about reports of voter intimidation and suppression during Pakistan’s recent election and was closely monitoring the situation there, while a U.S. lawmaker urged the State Department to delay recognizing the winner.
“We are concerned and we are concerned about some of the reports coming out of Pakistan of intimidation, voter suppression and so on. So we are watching this very, very closely,” John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the White House National Security Council, said at a press conference told reporters.
“It’s my understanding that the count is still ongoing, so international monitors are still looking at those counts. I’m not going to advance that process,” Kirby said in response to a question.
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, co-chairman of the House China Committee, urged the State Department to delay recognition of the winner.
“I am deeply troubled by numerous reports that the Pakistani military is engaging in vote manipulation and violence in an effort to overturn Thursday’s election results,” Krishnamoorthy said in a statement. “Ahead of these latest actions, we Months of targeted repression, politically motivated arrests and brutal intimidation tactics.” House floor.
“Pakistan’s election results must reflect the will of its people, not its military. Every effort must be made to ensure that every vote is counted fairly and accurately, and that violence is prevented at all costs,” he said.
“As we continue to monitor the results in Pakistan, I urge the State Department to delay recognizing the winner until these allegations are fully reviewed,” Krishnamoorthy said.
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