Opinion | Editorials
Sharif's return will alter poll equation
The political scenario in Pakistan is set for another U-turn with the arrival of Nawaz Sharif who returned home from exile in Saudi Arabia.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:33 November 26, 2007
The political scenario in Pakistan is set for another U-turn with the arrival of Nawaz Sharif who returned home from exile in Saudi Arabia.
While Lahore is bursting with festive fervour - and optimism - to welcome its favourite son the script sees the entrance of a proven political heavyweight and key contender for the post of prime minister. Should the political mechanism be allowed to run in rationalised fashion - and Sharif be allowed to contest in what the rest of the world believes will be impartial democratic elections - the equation of the race for the prime minister's office could be altered greatly.
Sharif's party, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), has a deep-rooted power base and he has proved this twice before by winning the post of prime minister. A fair fight, in the parliamentary elections, could even see a setback for the Musharraf-backed Pakistan Muslim League (Qaid-e-Azam). That being a forecast for the future, for the present, however, it would appear that Musharraf himself has proved his acumen by allowing Sharif back home. The vote between Sharif and Benazir now stands to be clearly split. And with the general firmly ensconced as president he will leave it to the rest to fight over the spoils.
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