US demands a “fraud” investigation and criticizes Pakistan’s election management

On Friday, the US expressed alarm over claims of vote-rigging and questioned the “undue restrictions” imposed throughout Pakistan’s election process, but it also promised to cooperate with the incoming government.

After Thursday’s election, candidates who supported imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan were leading in the vote tally.

His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was doing better than anticipated in spite of a crackdown on the party; yet, following a period of political horse trading, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was still predicted to form the next government.

Spokesman for the State Department Matthew Miller enumerated US concerns about the process while stating that Washington looked 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,” Miller stated in a statement.

“We denounce electoral violence and express concern over claims of election meddling.” Investigations into allegations of fraud or interference should be thorough.”

It was pointed out by Miller, however, that the Biden administration was “prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests,” which included collaboration in trade, investment, and security.