Pakistan vote filled with fear of violence, rigging

[gateley]

Suspicion, outrage, tensions mount as crucial elections near Monday
updated 1 hour, 21 minutes ago

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Opposition leaders warned Sunday against massive fraud as Pakistanis prepared to choose a new parliament in elections that could determine the political survival of President Pervez Musharraf — America's key ally in the war on terror.
(:eyes: sorry - couldn't resist)

American representatives urged Musharraf to live up to promises of a free and fair vote, despite opinion surveys pointing to an opposition victory in Monday's elections.

Musharraf was re-elected last October to a new five-year term. But the retired general faces growing public anger over his moves last year to declare emergency rule, purge the judiciary and curb independent media.

The elections are broadly seen as a referendum on his eight years of rule — including his alliance with the United States that many Pakistanis oppose. An overwhelming victory by the opposition would leave Musharraf politically vulnerable, even at risk of impeachment.

Public opinion surveys have suggested that if the vote is fair, the Pakistan People's Party of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto will finish first, followed by another opposition party led by ex-premier Nawaz Sharif.

The pro-Musharraf party — the Pakistani Muslim League-Q — is trailing a distant third, according to the surveys.

snip -- more info: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23201948/

[Muttocracy]

1. kick and rec nt