US House of Representatives calls for impartial probe into Feb 8 general elections’ irregularities

WASHINGTON: The United States House of Representatives On Wednesday overwhelmingly supported democracy and human rights in Pakistan, passing a resolution that calls for an impartial investigation into alleged irregularities in the February 8 general elections.

A total of 368 members voted in favor of the resolution, which demands a “full and independent investigation of claims of interference or irregularities in Pakistan’s February 2024 election,” while seven members opposed it.

House Resolution 901 indicates that representatives have voted to “express support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan.”

The resolution underscores the importance of the Pakistani public’s involvement in the country’s democratic process, following the general elections which opposition parties have labeled as “rigged” and the results as “delayed.”

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is among those contesting the election results, citing significant obstacles faced by its candidates. These hurdles forced PTI candidates to run as independents without their iconic bat symbol after a legal dispute with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Following the elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), along with other political parties, formed a coalition government, leaving PTI and other opposition parties out of power.

The resolution condemns any attempts to suppress the democratic participation of the Pakistani people through means such as harassment, intimidation, violence, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on internet and telecommunications access, or any violations of their human, civil, or political rights.

It also denounces efforts to undermine Pakistan’s political, electoral, or judicial processes.

Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at The Wilson Center, highlighted that about 85% of House members participated in the vote, with 98% supporting the resolution. He noted this as a significant margin.

Kugelman remarked that while the resolution is unlikely to significantly alter US policy towards Pakistan, it aligns with the Joe Biden administration’s call for an investigation into the election irregularities.

Shortly after the elections, the US State Department stated that it was appropriate for Pakistan to investigate the rigging allegations. Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of thorough investigations and resolutions of such concerns globally, including in Pakistan.

Kugelman also suggested that the American lawmakers’ vote raises questions about potential future legislation related to Pakistan.