PAKISTAN: Church supports free and fair elections
Source: Fides News
On the eve of the general elections on 25 July, the National Commission for "Justice and Peace" (NCJP) of the Pakistani Bishops' Conference, issued a statement saying, "For elections to express the will of the electorate they must be "free and fair". The elections in Pakistan cannot be 'free and fair' if any community is excluded from the electoral process. Religious disagreements cannot justify denying people their right to vote".
In a joint statement, the Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Chairperson of NCJP and Fr Emmanuel Yousaf, National Director, demanded "that elections should be transparent and each step of the election process should be easily understood and open to scrutiny by all stakeholders (voters, political parties, outside observers); all results should be independently verifiable".
Fr Emmanuel Yousaf stated:
"The Church is in support of democracy, we are aware and respect all democratic values. We hope that during the general election all observers, civil society, activists and volunteers will play their role impartially. Furthermore, all communities must cast their votes no matter which political party they are supporting". We share the anxiety of many citizens in Pakistan at the fact that there is an uncertain social climate in the country regarding the vital sectors of people's lives, especially health, homes, education, security, the fostering of solid human values and international responsibility.
We urge all to carefully examine the persons they want to see in government and vote for only those who would enhance the development process. He further urged Pakistani authorities to ensure peace and security situation during general elections to protect democracy and free and fair elections. He also prayed for peace during the time of elections so that the people would feel secure to cast their vote without fear or threat of any oppression."
Results will be announced on Thursday. Millions have voted in the polls, with the parties of ex-cricket star Imran Khan and disgraced former PM Nawaz Sharif competing for the most seats. Election day itself was marred by violence - with at least 31 dead in the worst attack in the city of Quetta.