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US Congress Calls for Investigation into Pakistani Election Fraud

A bipartisan group of US congresspeople has urged the Biden administration to delay recognition of Pakistan's new government pending an investigation into allegations of widespread election fraud.

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Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), chant slogans as they gather during a protest demanding free and fair election results, outside the provincial election commission office in Karachi, Pakistan, February 17, 2024. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo
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Overview

  • Thirty-one US congresspeople have signed a letter to President Biden and Secretary Blinken, calling for a delay in recognizing Pakistan's newly elected government until allegations of election fraud are investigated.
  • The allegations include pre- and post-election rigging aimed at preventing Imran Khan's party from winning, amid reports of harassment and arrest of party members.
  • Despite challenges, independent candidates backed by Imran Khan's PTI won a plurality of parliamentary seats, signaling a significant upset against the military's favored candidates.
  • The potential coalition government faces scrutiny over its formation and concerns about its ability to secure a new aid deal with the IMF amid political unrest.
  • Calls for a transparent and credible investigation into the election fraud allegations are growing, with implications for Pakistan's democracy and international relations.