US says looks forward to free, fair, transparent Pakistan polls

WASHINGTON: The United States of America Friday morning said that it looked forward to witness a transparent and fair electoral process.

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 11th. 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 added.

Ventrell noted that he wanted "to be clear about violence.

"The United States condemns the recent violence that has targeted politicians and their supporters during the electoral campaign 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 people in the election of their representatives and their ability to fulfill their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic nation", he concluded.