The United States on Friday said that it looked forward to witness a transparent and fair electoral process in Pakistan and engaging with the next democratically-elected government. The statement comes a day ahead of Saturday's (May 11) general elections.
"The United States looks forward to witnessing timely, transparent, free and fair elections on May 11. These elections will mark an important democratic transition, historic development of which the people of Pakistan can be very proud," said State Department's acting deputy spokesperson Patrick Ventrell in a press briefing. "We do not support any particular political party or individual candidate, and we look forward to engaging with the next democratically elected government," he said.
He said that the US condemned the recent violence that targeted politicians and their supporters during the electoral campaigns in Pakistan. "We likewise condemn recent statements by militant groups indicating their intent to disrupt Pakistan's democratic process," he said. "We support the right of the Pakistani people to participate in the election of their representatives and their ability to fulfil their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic nation," he said.