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Sunday, March 24, 2013
US reaffirms support for timely, free polls in PakistanWASHINGTON: The United States has reaffirmed its support for timely and free polls in Pakistan following the landmark completion of the constitutional term of the government.
“We do understand that Pakistan has announced the date for the National Assembly elections of May 11. We look forward to timely, free, and fair elections that are going to result in the first civilian, democratic transition of power in Pakistan’s history,” State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said.
“We obviously will look to the Government of Pakistan with regard to any help or support they might need,” she added, when asked during the daily briefing about the US sending any observers for the polls. The spokesperson explained the US had a number of ongoing programs that support clean, fair elections in Pakistan.
For example, she said, the US provides support through local organisations to encourage voters’ participation among groups that have historically low turnout, such as women. Washington also provides grants for two-way communication forums for citizens to discuss the election process.
“We also fund training for poll workers. The total amount of that assistance is about $6.5 million. But to date, we haven’t had any request from the Government of Pakistan for concrete support for the election itself,” she clarified.
The US support in the area is covered under uder Kerry-Lugar-Berman Act assistance.
In response to another question, the spokesperson said it was up to the people of Pakistan to decide who their representatives should be, according to their democratic process. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk