ISLAMABAD: Credible and acceptable elections on May 11 are of tremendous importance not only for Pakistan but also for the United Kingdom.

This was stated by British High Commissioner Adam Thomson on Wednesday following the announcement of a 25 member UK election observer mission for Pakistan here at the High Commission.

The UK election observer mission will be one of the largest international observation teams and would be deployed throughout Pakistan.

Replying to a question about the importance of democratic process of Pakistan, he said: “We are committed to supporting Pakistan to develop its democracy, as credible elections that are acceptable to the people of Pakistan are the key to achieving our shared vision of a prosperous and stable Pakistan.”

He said that elections in 2013 would mark the first democratic transfer of power from the civilian government to another in Pakistan's history, adding: “Elections 2013 are the clearest opportunity Pakistan has to consolidate and deepen its democracy.”

“The United Kingdom firmly believes that democratic continuity and consolidation are not only vital for Pakistan's own well being but are also the key to ever stronger and deeper relations between our two countries,” Thomson said.

He said the international observers are a common feature in elections throughout the world, including in the UK.

The British High Commissioner said that observers play a central role in creating voter's confidence, deterring electoral fraud and observing the credibility of the election process.

He said the UK election observers will adhere to Pakistani laws and comply with the code of conduct for observers issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Commenting on isolated incidents of terrorism during the election campaign, the diplomat said that terrorists and extremist elements would not be able to sabotage the election process.

Expressing concern on election related violence, he further condemned the incidents and deeply sympathised with the victims.

He further appreciated the efforts of security forces, ECP and caretaker government to ensure level playing field to all the parties and candidates.