Despite Violence, Pakistan Turns Out For Historic Elections
Comments (0)
National elections came to a close in Pakistan on Saturday as explosions and attacks near polling stations in Karachi killed and injured dozens in recent days. Al Jazeera has reported violence and vote suppression throughout the country, including in Peshawar and North Waziristan, a Taliban stronghold. Reports have indicated that over 20 people have been killed by Taliban-associated violence throughout the country during the run-up to the elections.
Pakistani Election Rally via Flickr Creative Commons
ALSO SEE: Pakistani Government Under Fire From Protesters
The historic elections will decide 342 seats in the Pakistani national parliament and positions in provincial assemblies. These elections will mark the first time that a civilian government has completed a full term in office and handed over authority in democratic elections, a milestone for a country with a long history of military coups.
The frontrunner, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, has declared victory for his opposition party despite Pakistani election officials indicating that the official results would not be available until Sunday. His center-right party would give Sharif his third term as prime minister.
Reach Executive Producer Colin Hale here. Follow him on Twitter here.
