The spokesperson for United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed hope that people's political and civil rights would be protected during elections in India and any other country. The spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, made these remarks on Thursday in response to concerns about political unrest in India ahead of the upcoming national elections. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone can vote freely and fairly.
Dujarric's comments came after India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior US diplomat to protest remarks made about the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the freezing of the opposition Congress Party's bank accounts. The US reiterated its stance on encouraging fair and transparent legal processes.
Regarding the summoning of the US diplomat, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that they advocate for fair legal procedures and transparency. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that legal processes are conducted fairly and timely.
The Indian government responded to the US State Department's remarks, calling them unwarranted. They asserted India's commitment to protecting its independent and robust democratic institutions from any external influence.
Overall, both the United Nations and the United States have underscored the importance of upholding political and civil rights and ensuring transparent legal processes during elections in India and other countries.
