Pakistan to hold historic polls in May
Source: Agencies |
March 21, 2013, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
PAKISTAN will hold historic general elections on May 11 after the government completed its first full term.
A caretaker administration will now manage the run-up to elections as the country struggles with Taliban violence, record sectarian unrest, chronic power cuts and a fragile economy.
The United States will be closely watching the elections. Nuclear-armed Pakistan is a key ally in the US fight against Islamist militancy and its cooperation is seen as vital in efforts to bring stability to neighboring Afghanistan. Pakistani Taliban militants recently withdrew a conditional ceasefire offer and threatened to attack the ruling party's election rallies.
Pakistan's military has ruled the country for more than half of its 66-year history. Army chief General Ashfaq Kayani has vowed to keep the military out of politics and there are no signs the generals are backing any particular party.
The ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) of President Asif Ali Zardari could face strong competition from opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, who was toppled by a military coup in 1999, as well as cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan. Former military leader General Pervez Musharraf is expected to return from self-exile on March 24 to take part in the election.
A caretaker administration will now manage the run-up to elections as the country struggles with Taliban violence, record sectarian unrest, chronic power cuts and a fragile economy.
The United States will be closely watching the elections. Nuclear-armed Pakistan is a key ally in the US fight against Islamist militancy and its cooperation is seen as vital in efforts to bring stability to neighboring Afghanistan. Pakistani Taliban militants recently withdrew a conditional ceasefire offer and threatened to attack the ruling party's election rallies.
Pakistan's military has ruled the country for more than half of its 66-year history. Army chief General Ashfaq Kayani has vowed to keep the military out of politics and there are no signs the generals are backing any particular party.
The ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) of President Asif Ali Zardari could face strong competition from opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, who was toppled by a military coup in 1999, as well as cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan. Former military leader General Pervez Musharraf is expected to return from self-exile on March 24 to take part in the election.
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