Expert: Pakistan Elections Tainted but Significant

Newswise — The circumstances surrounding today's parliamentary elections in Pakistan are far from optimal, but the outcome could be a positive first step toward democracy in a troubled nation that has become crucial to U.S. interests, according to an expert at the University of Indianapolis. "It is important because it opens the gate for a more democratic Pakistan," says Milind Thakar, Ph.D., an associate professor of international relations at UIndy and a specialist on South Asian politics and security. "Future elections could have a much more significant impact." Though cited as a key ally in the Bush administration's battle against extremism, Pakistan is a nuclear power with an unpopular government, a sagging economy and an insurgency linked to the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Today's parliamentary elections are the first in five years, and the inclusion of two major opposition parties is the most important political challenge to the current government since President Pervez Musharraf seized power in a military coup eight years ago. According to news accounts, however, the process has been marred by violence and low turnout. And the very fact that Musharraf remains in office will call into the question the validity of the results, Thakar said. "Unless there is a change in the regime, no election in Pakistan is legitimate," he said.