AN ANALYSIS OF THE PAKISTAN GENERAL ELECTION 2013

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Political and Electoral Systems in Pakistan
3. Some Significant Events Prior to the Election 2013
4. The Caretaker Government, the Election and the Manifestos of Three Contending Parties
5. Possible Impacts of the General Election 2013
6. Concluding Remarks

AN ANALYSIS OF THE PAKISTAN GENERAL ELECTION 2013

Author: Mahbubur Rashid Bhuiyan

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2013v34n3a4

ABSTRACT

The general election that took place in Pakistan on 11 May 2013, drew a lot of attention from the international community. The caretaker government in Pakistan was successful in holding a free, fair and credible election for the first time in the history of the country, resulting in peaceful and legitimate transfer of power from a democratic regime to a similar one. Hence, the election has been lauded globally as for a country facing various problems at home and abroad. The newly elected government, however, will certainly face several issues at home and beyond. Pakistan, currently the fifth largest democracy of the world, continues to pay heavy prices since joining the US war on terror in Afghanistan. The government needs to deal effectively with the Taliban and other extremist groups; restoring damaged ties with the US remains a priority, of which Pakistan is a longstanding ally. Improving relations with India demands important concentration. In this election, political parties of Pakistan showed unity regarding national interest. The lawful handover of power may help Pakistan recover its political and economic instability. The new government’s election manifesto contained many attractive pledges. Yet, how much they can live up to their words, is still to be witnessed in days ahead.

BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Outline