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February 19, 2008
Posted: 1728 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Dozens of polls, pundits and analysts later, the Pakistani elections are over. There are still some political uncertainties, but people are just relieved that things have been less violent than anticipated.Voter turnout was reportedly higher than the last election and with opposition parties on good footing, protestors aren’t taking to the streets and there hasn’t been any notable violence the day after polling.I spent most of the election in a hotel room, making phone calls and being yelled at by unfriendly politicians, a harsh reality of roof-top journalism and bad fodder for a blog. But speaking to interviewees, including politicians, analysts, government officials and Joe Pakistan, things are looking positive. President Pervez Musharraf promised elections and it looks like he got more than he bargained for. He faces a hostile parliament and a possible impeachment. But Pakistan is an unpredictable place. There is already talk of alliances and backroom deal-making. Talking heads on local television are busy predicting what might happen after the official results are announced. What does this mean for Pakistan’s strongman president? Well, its hard to say. Musharraf was an army commando, trained in strategy and navigating treacherous terrain. But analysts say he might not be able to hold on to power once the new parliament takes over. Pakistani’s are tired of militancy and the specter of violence hanging over them. Some say the country might turn into another Iraq or Afghanistan unless things change soon. Food, water and electricity shortages fuel resentment for the establishment and had a real impact on how people decided to vote in these past elections. Many longtime political players were ousted from seats they seemed glued to. In the end, the votes came down to the nuts and bolts of politics. For months we’ve heard talk of democracy and justice. But in the end, everyone I spoke with said that what they really wanted first was bread, safety and a better quality of life. Musharraf lost sight of that and it seems that cost him and his supporters. Posted by: CNN Producer, Zein Basravi |
 
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