LAHORE: US Ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson, on Monday said the United States was in favour of free, fair and transparent elections in Pakistan so that the country’s democratic system may strengthen, DawnNews reported.

Pakistan is expected to hold elections by mid-May with the federal parliament due to disband by mid-March. The polls are expected to mark the first democratic transition between two civilian governments in the country’s history.

Speaking to media representatives in Lahore, Olson said the United States was not biased in favour of or against any political leader or party.

The envoy said the US was very hopeful with regard to the general elections in Pakistan and added that his country was a proponent of democracy.

During his first visit to Lahore since assuming charge as the ambassador, Olson said along with other engagements, he would also be meeting leaders and workers of various political parties in Lahore.

Olson had replaced Cameron Munter in late 2012 after the latter quit prematurely upon being was overruled on critical issues, including drones and an apology for deaths of 24 Pakistani troops in the Salala incident.