International Perspectives on Our Elections

By: Abdul Basit Alvi

Pakistan’s role in global affairs is multifaceted and indispensable for comprehending the intricacies of international relations.

International Perspectives on Our Elections. Positioned at the juncture of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Pakistan occupies a crucial geopolitical position that deeply influences regional stability and global affairs. As a nation armed with nuclear capabilities and boasting a sizable population, Pakistan’s significance extends well beyond its borders, encompassing diverse interests across various domains. From security imperatives to economic opportunities, Pakistan’s role in global affairs is multifaceted and indispensable for comprehending the intricacies of international relations.

Pakistan’s strategic location renders it a pivotal link between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, with shared borders with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China, thereby cementing its status as a key player in regional geopolitics. Its proximity to major maritime routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea, further amplifies its strategic importance for global trade and energy security. Moreover, Pakistan’s contribution to the global fight against terrorism is paramount, given its frontline position in combating extremist factions within its territory. While Pakistan has collaborated extensively with the international community, particularly the United States, to disrupt terrorist networks.

Leveraging its substantial population and strategic location, Pakistan stands poised to capitalize on significant economic opportunities, exemplified by initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aims to bolster connectivity and foster economic growth.

Furthermore, Pakistan’s stability and prosperity are intricately linked to the stability of its neighbors and the broader South Asian region, with ongoing conflicts such as those in Afghanistan and the Kashmir dispute directly impacting Pakistan’s security landscape. Hence, fostering dialogue, cooperation, and conflict resolution mechanisms are imperative for promoting peace and stability in the region. Ultimately, Pakistan’s strategic importance emanates from its geostrategic location, counterterrorism efforts, nuclear deterrence capabilities, economic potential, and its role in regional stability, highlighting the need for sustained engagement on a spectrum of issues to advance mutual interests and bolster global peace and prosperity.

Amidst many challenges, Pakistan conducted its general elections on February 8, witnessing a large turnout of registered voters. Notably, no instances of rigging or controversy were observed during the polling process but it was not good to see later some complaints voiced by certain elements within the country and from abroad without any valid evidence.

The United States has called for a thorough investigation into allegations of election rigging in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for adherence to the rule of law and respect for democratic principles. During a press briefing, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller underscored the importance of respecting the constitution, promoting a free press, and condemning political violence and election-related disruptions. The US has urged that any claims of interference or irregularities in the electoral process be meticulously investigated within the framework of Pakistan’s legal system.

Read More: US Condemns Voter Intimidation in Pakistan Election

Similarly, both Britain and the European Union have voiced concerns regarding the electoral process in Pakistan following the February 8 vote, urging a comprehensive probe into reported irregularities. Mentioning allegations of interference and arrests of activists, the US and EU emphasized the necessity of investigating claims of irregularities, interference, and fraud. The EU highlighted concerns about a perceived lack of a level playing field in the elections, attributing it to restrictions on political actors and limitations on freedoms of assembly, expression, and internet access.

The interference by foreign entities in Pakistan’s internal affairs is, in my opinion, a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. Sovereignty constitutes the cornerstone of statehood, embodying the essence of an independent nation’s existence. It encompasses the supreme authority and power wielded by a state within its borders, free from external interference or influence. Upholding sovereignty is a fundamental principle deeply embedded in international law and politics, serving as a vital tenet that underpins the contemporary nation-state system.

At its essence, sovereignty embodies the inherent right of a nation to self-govern without external interference. It encompasses the exclusive authority to enact and enforce laws, manage domestic affairs, control borders, and engage in international relations autonomously. Sovereignty affords states the independence to pursue their interests, shape their destinies, and interact with other nations as equals. The origins of sovereignty can be traced back to the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, a pivotal event following the Thirty Years’ War that established the groundwork for the modern state system. This treaty introduced the principle of territorial integrity and acknowledged the sovereignty of individual states, signaling a departure from imperial and feudal dominance. Over time, sovereignty has become a fundamental tenet of international relations, enshrined in various legal frameworks and treaties, including the United Nations Charter. Article 2(1) of the Charter underscores the principle of sovereign equality, affirming the rights of all member states to self-governance over their territories and affairs. Sovereignty transcends mere legality; it is also a political and ethical concept, embodying the principle of self-determination, which allows peoples to govern themselves in accordance with their values and preferences. Sovereignty empowers nations to express their unique identities, cultures, and aspirations, contributing to diversity and pluralism on the global stage.

In the realm of international relations, the principle of non-interference serves as a cornerstone of diplomacy and sovereignty, advocating that nations abstain from meddling in each other’s internal affairs. While seemingly straightforward, the application and implications of non-interference are complex and subject to global debate.

Non-interference derives from the principle of respecting national sovereignty, as articulated in the United Nations Charter. Article 2(7) of the Charter stipulates that “nothing should authorize intervention in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.” This principle aims to safeguard the autonomy and independence of states, enabling them to manage internal affairs free from external influence or coercion. Fundamentally, non-interference recognizes each nation’s right to self-determination, allowing it to govern itself and pursue its developmental trajectory without external pressures. This principle is essential for upholding stability in the international system, as it mitigates conflicts stemming from attempts to impose ideologies, values, or interests on others. Furthermore, non-interference fosters mutual respect and trust among nations, pivotal for fostering effective diplomacy and cooperation. By refraining from interfering in each other’s internal matters, countries promote equality and reciprocity in their interactions, fostering an environment conducive to peaceful coexistence and collaboration.

It is evident that foreign meddling in the internal affairs of other nations is universally disapproved and goes against ethical principles. The recent elections were conducted in a transparent and equitable environment, allowing unrestricted participation and voting. No country permits riots or anti-state elements to contest elections, instead subjecting them to the established laws and regulations of the nation. Any limitations imposed on certain individuals were rooted in the legal framework and regulations of the country, rather than the dictates of any individual or institution. It is imperative for the global community to grasp these fundamental principles.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson of Pakistan emphasized that the country’s election process is solely an internal affair and thus does not require external guidance. She highlighted that foreign observers, including those from the Commonwealth, were welcomed during the general elections, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its constitutional obligations. Reiterating the internal nature of the electoral process, she affirmed Pakistanis’ right to discuss their country’s political affairs, declining to offer further comments on the matter.

Readers, it is important to recognize that interference by foreign nations in Pakistan’s internal affairs is unwelcome and met with condemnation by the nation. Pakistan is not a nation governed arbitrarily; rather, anti-state elements are rigorously addressed in accordance with the established rules and regulations, which are formulated not by the whim of any individual or institution, but rather in the broader interests of Pakistan.