On Friday 27 July, the spokesperson of the European External Action Service welcomed the “determination” and the “clear commitment to democracy” of the Pakistanis in their participation in the general elections of 25 July, despite deadly attacks in the run-up to and on election day.
Revealing a number of shortcomings, the spokesperson said that it was “essential that any appeal proceedings be conducted in a fair and transparent manner”. According to the preliminary conclusions of the EU election observation mission (see EUROPE 12042), although election day was “largely orderly and competitive”, the electoral process was “overshadowed by allegations of interference, restrictions on freedom of speech and the media, and unequal opportunities to campaign”. Similarly, although efforts were made to encourage greater turnout among women, “a full level playing field for women, as well as for minorities and vulnerable groups, is yet to be realised”, the spokesperson added. Finally, he regretted the fact that bureaucratic delays on the part of the Pakistani authorities had limited the ability of the observation mission's long-term observers to fully assess all aspects of the process.
On 27 July, former cricketer Imran Khan claimed victory for his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) (Movement for Justice in Pakistani). In light of accusations of election fraud, Khan has said that he is prepared to cooperate with any and all investigations. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)