By NNN-APP
London : Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon congratulated Pakistan on the conduct of relatively peaceful elections held on Monday.
“These elections are an important step in Pakistan ‘s journey towards full democracy,” said the Secretary-General in a statement Wednesday adding “The people of Pakistan have spoken and their voice must be heard and respected.”
He said “although the run up to the elections was marred by serious acts of violence, of which the most shocking was the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, it is a relief that polling day itself was reasonably peaceful.”
The Secretary-General expressed his hope that the democratic process would now be permitted to play itself out fully, with the formation of a new government in accordance with constitutional procedures.
“The Commonwealth is keen to engage with the new Government once it is formed, including at ministerial level” added the Secretary-General.
“ Pakistan is important to the Commonwealth and we look forward to it once again playing its full role in the association once democracy is fully restored. We remain ready to assist towards that end.”
Pakistan was suspended from the 53-member club after the imposition of November 3 emergency last year but observers say the country could soon regain its membership once the new democratic government is formed.