World | Pakistan
Security tight as polls open for Pakistani vote
Pakistanis begin voting in general elections amid tight security and fears of violence.
- Agencies
- Published: 09:26 February 18, 2008
- Image Credit: Aftab Kazmi/Gulf News
- Colourful billboards dot the skyline in the main cities of Pakistan.
Islamabad: Pakistanis began voting in general elections on Monday amid tight security and fears of violence.
In Rawalpindi, voting got off to a slow start as political agents failed to show up on time, delaying the official sealing of ballot boxes.
"I've come on time but there are no party agents" said one angry man waiting to vote, Shamim Sadiq, who said he had come early because he was worried about security.
At least 80,000 troops were deployed to back up police to watch over the elections following a wave of bomb attacks in the country.
Results are expected to start emerging towards midnight and trends should be clear late on Tuesday morning.
More than 1,000 foreign observers are in the country to monitor the polls, making Monday's elections the most monitored in Pakistan's history.
Related Links
- Pakistan set for general elections
- Musharraf vows polls 'as planned'
- Pakistan town under curfew after blast
- What the Pakistan vote means to stake-holders
- Feudal backing may aid survival of president
- Post-election scenarios in Pakistan
- Poorest do not expect to see any change
- 1,000 foreign observers to monitor elections
- Poll drive ends on uncertain note
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