There are concerns regarding pre- and post-poll rigging in Pakistan’s recent parliamentary elections.
It is my position that the U.S. government should take the following steps regarding this matter:
- Withhold recognition of a new government in Pakistan until a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation of election interference has been conducted;
- Urge Pakistani authorities to release anyone who has been detained for engaging in political speech or activity, and task State Department officials in Pakistan with gathering information about such cases and advocating for their release; and
- Make clear to Pakistani authorities that U.S. law provides for accountability for acts that violate human rights, undermine democracy, or further corruption, including the potential for military and other cooperation to be halted.
The holding of former prime minister Imran Khan, who is the leader of the popular PTI national party, in jail indefinitely for unsupported charges is an example of ignoring the rule of law and constitutes politically motivated prosecution.
The U.S. must ensure that the results of the election represent the will of the people of Pakistan. This is the mainstay of any democracy. It is essential that we protect democracy here and abroad.