The European Observers have hailed the turnout in Pakistan's elections in defiance of the militants threats against the process.

Leader of the European Observer Delegation to Pakistan elections, Richard Howitt, Member of European Parliament (MEP) said Monday that the extraordinary vote reflected the people's confidence in democracy and it was vote against violence.

He released the European Union's preliminary assessment of the May 11 elections, which says that strong commitment was shown to the democratic process by parties, candidates and voters, who continued to participate in the electoral process despite high levels of militant attacks in parts of the country that escalated and ultimately affected the process as a whole.

"Violence by non-state actors unbalanced the playing field and distorted the election process considerably in the concerned locations," the statement said.

It said that elections represented "a competitive and improved election process despite militant violence and procedural shortcomings."

Speaking at a press conference to launch the report here, Richard Howitt MEP said, "the violence in the campaign and on election day was terrible, but must not overshadow the achievements of the process."

The report said the Election Day showed the commitment of the people of Pakistan to democratic governance by overcoming militant violence.

"It is important that framework of the elections is further developed so that democracy is strengthened,"he said.

Richard Howitt said the turnout in defiance of the threats against the process was an extraordinary vote of confidence in democracy itself.

The mission will remain the country till fifth of next month to observe the tabulation of results and electoral dispute resolution mechanisms. It will publish its final report containing detailed recommendations within two months of the conclusion of the electoral process. Endi

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