IMF encourages fair, peaceful resolution of electoral disputes

March 08, 2024 (MLN): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) encourages the fair and peaceful resolution of all electoral disputes given the importance of the institutional environment for economic stability and growth, the IMF Spokesperson said in response to the letter by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Spokesperson on the electoral issue. 

The IMF, as an international institution with a narrow mandate on economic issues, does not comment on domestic political developments, he added. 

He added that the IMF received a letter from a PTI spokesperson on February 28 regarding the Fund’s engagement with Pakistan under the program. 

PTI called the IMF to audit at least 30% of the national and provincial assemblies' seats, urging that such an endeavour be completed within two weeks.

In a letter written to Ms Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the Fund, the Spokesperson of PTI said, "Given the policies and principles the IMF stands for, there should be no doubt that the abuse of power by a small number of holders of public office to impose their likes and dislikes on Pakistan’s populace as aforesaid, and thus to ensure their continuing personal gain, would not be promoted or upheld by the IMF."

It is not just the PTI, but several other political parties in Pakistan, along with several Western governments, Commonwealth observers, local civil society organizations, and international print and electronic media, have called for an independent probe into claims of intervention and electoral fraud in the country on and after February 8, 2024, it added.

These calls have, however, gone unheeded for more than two weeks now suggesting that there is no fear of accountability or rule of law concerning the subversion of the exercise by the people of Pakistan of their right to elect a government.

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