Amidst mounting concerns over the transparency and fairness of the February 8 general elections, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has stepped forward, demanding the European Union (EU) report on the polls to be made accessible to the public.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan emphasized the significance of transparency in the electoral process, urging for the EU report to be disclosed. Hasan highlighted the EU delegation’s confirmation of submitting its report to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), underscoring the sensitivity and importance of its contents.
The PTI’s call for transparency echoes its persistent allegations of widespread rigging and manipulation of election results, with the party claiming that its mandate was compromised. Notably, PTI founder Imran Khan escalated the matter by urging the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to conduct an audit of the election results before considering any new loan for Pakistan. Despite these pleas, the IMF refrained from intervening, citing its limited mandate on economic issues.
Following the February 8 polls, the EU’s Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Peter Stano, expressed dismay over the lack of a level playing field and various restrictions imposed during the electoral process. Stano called for thorough investigations into reported irregularities and emphasized the need for implementing the recommendations outlined in the Election Expert Mission report.
Moreover, concerns raised by the EU were echoed by both the United States and the United Kingdom, further amplifying apprehensions about the fairness and integrity of the electoral environment.
As PTI continues to advocate for transparency and accountability, the demand for the public release of the EU report underscores the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
