Press Releases
Dispatch of Election Observer Group for the National Assembly and Provincial Assembly Elections in Pakistan
1. On July 25 (same day local time), elections of the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies were held in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. From the Government of Japan, an election observer group headed by Mr. Iwao Horii, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, participated in the local observation mission.
2. Following the observation activities, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Horii, chair of the Japanese election observer group, announced Japan’s position as follows:
(1) During the election campaign, several tragic terrorist attacks targeting polling stations and political gatherings occurred. The Government of Japan expresses its deepest condolences to the victims and sympathy to those who were injured in these terrorist attacks. Japan appreciates the stepped-up efforts of the Government of Pakistan to ensure security for the implementation of the elections.
(2) As far as the observations by the Japanese election observer group are concerned, it was found that many stakeholders were committed to holding proper and smooth elections, including complying with the procedures prescribed.
(3) The Government of Japan expects the consolidation of democracy in Pakistan and that the country will countinue to fulfill a critical role for peace and stability in the entire region. Japan will also seek to build good relations with the new government to be formed.
[Note] Overview of the elections
(ⅰ) On July 25 (same day local time), elections of the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies were held in Pakistan. This was the second time in Pakistan that a general election was held after a civilian government completed its term.
(ⅱ) In addition to dispatching an election observer group, the Government of Japan provided assistance through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the recent elections.