US State Department Expects 'Some' Fraud In Pakistan Polls

AFP:

The US State Department said Tuesday it expected Pakistan's upcoming elections to be tainted and called on all groups, including international monitors, to keep a tight scrutiny of the landmark event.

"We don't necessarily accept a certain level of fraud but if history is any guide and reports are any guide, we should expect some," Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher said at a Congressional hearing on the February 18 polls.

Citing a group of Pakistani election observers, the State Department's pointman for South Asia told lawmakers that there had been reports of interference by local government officials on behalf of all political parties.

"So, it is an indication perhaps of what one might (expect) -- certain level of interference," he said.

But Boucher said it was incumbent on everyone to ensure that the parliamentary elections were credible so that a new leadership could emerge from "a legitimate process" to strengthen democratic institutions.

Read the whole story: AFP

Comments

[research]

just a little fraud, not like in the USA, where GE and MSM pollsters pick the candidates.

[fact finder]

Some fraud.? How about 99.99%. Pro U.S. backed candidates of course.