General Election 2008

 In February 2008, Pakistan witnessed a pivotal moment in its political landscape with the general elections for the 13th National Assembly and the four Provincial Assemblies. The electoral process, however, faced challenges and adjustments following a state of emergency declared by President Pervez Musharraf in November 2007.

Initially postponed indefinitely, the elections were later rescheduled for February 18, 2008, after the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in December 2007. The subsequent Election Commission meeting deemed the initially proposed date of January 8 unfeasible, prompting the decision to hold the elections on February 18.

This election marked the resurgence of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) as the dominant forces in the National Assembly. The PPP, led by Benazir Bhutto's husband Asif Ali Zardari, and the PML-N, under Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, emerged as the two largest parties. The provincial landscape saw the PPP securing victory in Sindh, PML-N dominating in Punjab, Awami National Party leading in North-West Frontier Province, and Musharraf's Pakistan Muslim League (Q) winning the most seats in Balochistan. Approximately 35.2 million people voted, resulting in a voter turnout of 44%.

Post-election, Musharraf acknowledged the defeat of his party and pledged to collaborate with the new Parliament. Initially forming a coalition government due to common mistrust of Musharraf, the PPP and PML-N's alliance was short-lived. The PML-N left the coalition, initiating an impeachment movement and a campaign to restore the judiciary. Subsequently, the PPP formed a government with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Awami National Party, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F).

The elections occurred amid heightened concerns about terrorism, particularly following Benazir Bhutto's assassination in December 2007. Pre-election violence was evident with attacks on leftist politicians and political rallies, further emphasizing the challenges faced during this period.

The Citizens' Group on Electoral Process proposed a code of conduct to ensure fairness in the election process. Issues such as terrorism, the fairness of elections, and the role of the United States in Pakistan's War on Terrorism were key points of discussion.

The political campaign saw the formation of alliances and opposition parties like the All Parties Democratic Movement, excluding the PPP, while some parties contemplated boycotting the elections due to concerns about fairness. However, the PPP and PML-N decided not to boycott, despite reservations about the fairness of the process.

The actual election results varied from initial poll predictions, with the PPP and PML-N forming a coalition government after their victory over Musharraf's allies. The PML(Q) faced significant defeat, and the PPP, under Yousaf Raza Gillani, took charge. The election for Prime Minister on March 24, 2008, saw Gillani securing a decisive victory over Chaudhry Pervez Elahi of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q).

In conclusion, the 2008 general elections in Pakistan marked a crucial moment in its political history, showcasing the resilience of its political parties despite challenges, and paving the way for a new era in governance.