Trump admin reacts to Imran election: Some steps not right

July 28, 2018 09:14

Some steps, including curbs on freedom of expression and association, taken by authorities in Pakistan ahead of its July 25 general elections were at odds with their stated goal of a free, fair and transparent polls, the Trump Administration said today.

Cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan led his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf to victory in the parliamentary elections this week, amid a growing consensus among South Asia experts and Pakistan-observers that it was greatly influenced and meddled by the strong Pakistani Army.

The development of strong democratic and civilian institutions of governance and a vibrant civil society is critical to Pakistan's long-term stability and prosperity, US State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

"In that context, the United States shares concerns about flaws in the pre-voting electoral process, as expressed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan," she said.

"These included constraints placed on freedoms of expression and association during the campaign period that were at odds with Pakistani authorities' stated goal of a fully fair and transparent election," Nauert said in the first official US statement since the general elections in Pakistan on Wednesday.

Khan was today inching closer to form a government in Pakistan with the support of allies and independents even as a multi-party meeting rejected the poll results alleging rigging and demanded "transparent" re-election.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

South East Asia-based gangs behind surge in cybercrimes in India: Govt

The senior IPS officer said that 45 percent of cyber financial frauds taking place in the country are originating from the South East Asia.

Situation in Bishkek back to normal, pay no heed to rumours: Indian mission

Last week, India asked its students in Bishkek to stay indoors following the incidents of violence.

How Royals' outfoxed RCB batters to stay alive in IPL

Rajasthan Royals accomplished a nervy chase to stay alive in the Indian Premier League

King Kohli does it again!

Virat Kohli scripts history, becomes first player to complete 8000 runs in IPL

Tejas sets national 110m hurdles record, targets Paris Oly

Tejas Shirse broke the previous national record of 13.48 seconds set by Siddhanth Thingalaya in 2017.