EU says democracy in Pakistan strengthened
- October 9, 2013, 6:16 pm
- National News
- 95 Views
ISLAMABAD Oct 09 (Online): The European Union Ambassador Lars-Gunner Weigmark said elections are part of broader process of democracy and Pakistan has shown strong commitment in strengthening democracy.
He was addressing a Post-election Seminar here on Wednesday organized by Democracy Reporting International.
The ambassador said democracy in Pakistan has strengthened its roots and institutions' maturity is evident.
He said after transition of power from one to another civilian government‚ current parliament is the first recognized democratic parliament. He assured the European Union will continue its role in further strengthening democracy in the country.
He said May 11 elections were far better than 2008 elections‚ however‚ room for improvement is still there.
Expressing his regrets over the non-registration of eleven million female voters‚ he said participation of all segments of society is best answer to violence and security problems.
He said Election Commission of Pakistan played an important role at federal as well as provincial levels in ensuring free and fair elections.
He said hundred percent transparency in elections is out of question in any democracy as there is always a tendency to manipulate the results‚ however‚ it is important that people vote and how they vote.
