violence around the elections causes concern in London and Washington

A vote under close surveillance. The elections held on Thursday, February 8 in Pakistan, punctuated by violence, are causing concern among world powers. The United States, historic partners of Islamabad, announced on Friday their “concerns” on the conduct of the election, while saying he wanted to work with the next government. The count continued Friday evening.

“We join credible international and local observers who believe that these elections were marked by excessive restrictions on freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly”, said the State Department spokesperson. In detail, Washington condemned “electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms (…), and restrictions on access to the internet and telecommunications services”.

The United Kingdom points to a “lack of inclusiveness”

For its part, London expressed on Friday “serious concerns” on the conduct of the elections and “urges” Pakistani authorities to “respect fundamental human rights”particularly in terms of access to information.

“We recognize (…) the serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusiveness of the elections”And “we regret that not all parties were formally authorized to present themselves”said the head of British diplomacy, David Cameron.