"There is a sense among many people that the outcome is already predetermined," said Samina Yasmeen, a fellow of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
The man widely expected to become prime minister after Thursday's elections has been a familiar face in Pakistani politics for almost four decades. Nawaz Sharif, the three-times former prime minister, is likely to be on the brink of a fourth term, having been brought back from exile in the UK.
For those who view Sharif as one of the few experienced politicians able to finally bring Pakistan out of its long-running economic crisis, his imminent return is being met with relief. His focus on the campaign trail has been on bringing jobs back and food prices down.
"We want Nawaz Sharif because we are faced with an economic crisis and whenever the Sharifs come into power, they have brought stability to Pakistan," said Sana Saleem from Lahore. "The country is in a very bad shape and I believe it can only be managed by Sharif's party. We don't have any other option than him." Others have expressed concern that Sharif's return would do little to release the country from the stranglehold of military influence or break the dominance of the political dynasties who have run Pakistan for almost half a century.
It was an alleged backroom deal with Pakistan's powerful military that enabled Sharif's return from exile and he is widely regarded as its "selected" candidate, making him a clear frontrunner.
The country's most popular political leader, the former prime minister Imran Khan, is behind bars and unable to run in the election.
Sharif's three previous terms in office ended prematurely after his relationship with the military fell apart. Yet his rise to power has been inseparably entwined with the military, who are seen as the kingmakers of Pakistani politics, and at times have ruled the country directly after taking over in coups.
Esta historia es de la edición February 06, 2024 de The Guardian.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 06, 2024 de The Guardian.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Swiss police make arrests over reported death in 'suicide' pod
Swiss police have opened a criminal investigation and arrested a number of people after the suspected death of a woman in a so-called suicide capsule.
Durán on target from the spot as Aston Villa pass nervy test
As Emiliano Buendía wheeled towards the nearest corner clenching his fists in celebration, in front of the bank of 1,848 travelling Aston Villa supporters, it was the kind of cathartic moment he longed for on the darker days of his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury.
Bolton recall spirit of Allardyce era in pursuit of upset
Wanderers had a reputation for riling Wenger's Arsenal in the early 2000s and they are hoping for another shock
Brook unbowed with masterful ton to drive England home and dry
On a chilly night at Chester-le-Street came an England performance to warm the cockles of the hardy home supporters.
England set to name El-Abd as defence coach after Jones exit
Steve Borthwick is expected to appoint Joe El-Abd as England's new defence coach following Felix Jones's shock resignation amid a summer of upheaval.
Union anger after Boeing makes 'divisive' final offer to end strike
A union representing 33,000 striking Boeing workers has reacted with anger at what the aircraft maker called its \"best and final\" pay offer of a 30% rise over four years.
Brexit checks put plant and flower trade with EU at risk, say UK firms
Exporters of plants and flowers from mainland Europe are turning their backs on supplying Britain as \"painful\" new Brexit border checks are pushing some trading relationships to \"breaking point\", garden centres and nurseries have warned.
Tui expects leap in profits as winter trip bookings rise
Europe's largest travel company expects its annual profits to rise by at least a quarter, helped by people spending more on winter breaks to sunny destinations such as Egypt, Cape Verde, Thailand and Mexico.
Interest rates unlikely to go to near-zero again, Bank governor says
The governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, has said he expects interest rates to fall gradually but warned consumers not to expect a return to near-zero levels.
Firms question pre-budget timing of investment event
Business leaders have warned that the government's plans for a major global investment summit are in danger of falling flat, amid growing frustrations over the high costs of involvement and its timing two weeks before the budget.
