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The 2013 Pakistan Elections: Hope Going Forward? Case Study Overview: 7 slides with pictures. The May 11th 2013 elections in Pakistan represented the first time that a civilian regime completed its term in office and held elections in which power was transferred democratically to a new civilian regime. In a country where the security establishment has a long history of throwing out elected regimes and manipulating results, this in itself was an important landmark. General elections were held in Pakistan to elect a new country leader, as well as the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Elections were held in all four provinces, Islamabad’s federal capital territory and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The remaining two territories of Pakistan, the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, were ineligible to vote due to their disputed status. Allegations on systematic vote rigging, favoritism, and ethnicity trends on political parties marred with controversy regarding the nationwide elections. This eventually led to anti–government march that called for electoral reforms in 2014. In the end, the fifth largest democracy and second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia in the world exercised its right to vote, and indeed the elections are noted for the first civilian transfer of power following the successful completion of a five-year term by a democratically elected government. Scattered gun and bomb attacks marred an otherwise celebratory day in a nation mired in economic crisis and locked in a fight with a virulent native Taliban insurgency. By the time polls closed in the evening, at least 20 people had died in attacks, the most serious targeting a pro U.S. political party in the southern port city of Karachi. The violence, which included blasts outside a political office in Karachi that left 10 dead, capped a bloody election season. More than 130 people have been killed in bombings and shootings over the campaign, prompting some to call this one of the deadliest votes in the country’s history. All in all, the elections were a step forward. People voted in large numbers, proving once again that the Taliban propaganda against this so called “heathen system of government” did not get much traction. If the new government can deliver a more capable regime and restore the economy, some additional miracles may fall into place and Pakistan may be in a much happier place by the 2018 national elections. If not, that country may continue to be subjected to a more troubled and uncertain future. Required Resource for Case Writers Before you begin researching and writing your case, all members of you group, should become familiar with the following resources: http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2013/05/aftermath-pakistan-elections-2013.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan Questions to Consider/Answer in the Development of this Case • What has been the trend historically of elections in Pakistan? • Why was this 2013 national election historical? (Give specific examples/reasons). • Who were the major players/key candidates in this election and how did they impact the process? • How did violence affect this election process—before, during, and after? Who was responsible for that violence? • What were and are the challenges that continue to face this new Pakistan administration? • How will this new Pakistan Prime Minister continue to work with the United States going forward? Have the last two years been positive or negative on U.S.-Pakistan relations and how? The 2013 Pakistan Elections: Hope Going Forward? Case Study Overview: The May 11th 2013 elections in Pakistan represented the first time that a civilian regime completed its term in office and held elections in which power was transferred democratically to a new civilian regime. In a country where the security establishment has a long history of throwing out elected regimes and manipulating results, this in itself was an important landmark. General elections were held in Pakistan to elect a new country leader, as well as the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Elections were held in all four provinces, Islamabad’s federal capital territory and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The remaining two territories of Pakistan, the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, were ineligible to vote due to their disputed status. Allegations on systematic vote rigging, favoritism, and ethnicity trends on political parties marred with controversy regarding the nationwide elections. This eventually led to anti–government march that called for electoral reforms in 2014. In the end, the fifth largest democracy and second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia in the world exercised its right to vote, and indeed the elections are noted for the first civilian transfer of power following the successful completion of a five-year term by a democratically elected government. Scattered gun and bomb attacks marred an otherwise celebratory day in a nation mired in economic crisis and locked in a fight with a virulent native Taliban insurgency. By the time polls closed in the evening, at least 20 people had died in attacks, the most serious targeting a pro U.S. political party in the southern port city of Karachi. The violence, which included blasts outside a political office in Karachi that left 10 dead, capped a bloody election season. More than 130 people have been killed in bombings and shootings over the campaign, prompting some to call this one of the deadliest votes in the country’s history. All in all, the elections were a step forward. People voted in large numbers, proving once again that the Taliban propaganda against this so called “heathen system of government” did not get much traction. If the new government can deliver a more capable regime and restore the economy, some additional miracles may fall into place and Pakistan may be in a much happier place by the 2018 national elections. If not, that country may continue to be subjected to a more troubled and uncertain future. Required Resource for Case Writers Before you begin researching and writing your case, all members of you group, should become familiar with the following resources: http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2013/05/aftermath-pakistan-elections-2013.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan Questions to Consider/Answer in the Development of this Case • What has been the trend historically of elections in Pakistan? • Why was this 2013 national election historical? (Give specific examples/reasons). • Who were the major players/key candidates in this election and how did they impact the process? • How did violence affect this election process—before, during, and after? Who was responsible for that violence? • What were and are the challenges that continue to face this new Pakistan administration? • How will this new Pakistan Prime Minister continue to work with the United States going forward? Have the last two years been positive or negative on U.S.-Pakistan relations and how? The 2013 Pakistan Elections: Hope Going Forward? Case Study Overview: The May 11th 2013 elections in Pakistan represented the first time that a civilian regime completed its term in office and held elections in which power was transferred democratically to a new civilian regime. In a country where the security establishment has a long history of throwing out elected regimes and manipulating results, this in itself was an important landmark. General elections were held in Pakistan to elect a new country leader, as well as the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Elections were held in all four provinces, Islamabad’s federal capital territory and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The remaining two territories of Pakistan, the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, were ineligible to vote due to their disputed status. Allegations on systematic vote rigging, favoritism, and ethnicity trends on political parties marred with controversy regarding the nationwide elections. This eventually led to anti–government march that called for electoral reforms in 2014. In the end, the fifth largest democracy and second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia in the world exercised its right to vote, and indeed the elections are noted for the first civilian transfer of power following the successful completion of a five-year term by a democratically elected government. Scattered gun and bomb attacks marred an otherwise celebratory day in a nation mired in economic crisis and locked in a fight with a virulent native Taliban insurgency. By the time polls closed in the evening, at least 20 people had died in attacks, the most serious targeting a pro U.S. political party in the southern port city of Karachi. The violence, which included blasts outside a political office in Karachi that left 10 dead, capped a bloody election season. More than 130 people have been killed in bombings and shootings over the campaign, prompting some to call this one of the deadliest votes in the country’s history. All in all, the elections were a step forward. People voted in large numbers, proving once again that the Taliban propaganda against this so called “heathen system of government” did not get much traction. If the new government can deliver a more capable regime and restore the economy, some additional miracles may fall into place and Pakistan may be in a much happier place by the 2018 national elections. If not, that country may continue to be subjected to a more troubled and uncertain future. Required Resource for Case Writers Before you begin researching and writing your case, all members of you group, should become familiar with the following resources: http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2013/05/aftermath-pakistan-elections-2013.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan Questions to Consider/Answer in the Development of this Case • What has been the trend historically of elections in Pakistan? • Why was this 2013 national election historical? (Give specific examples/reasons). • Who were the major players/key candidates in this election and how did they impact the process? • How did violence affect this election process—before, during, and after? Who was responsible for that violence? • What were and are the challenges that continue to face this new Pakistan administration? • How will this new Pakistan Prime Minister continue to work with the United States going forward? Have the last two years been positive or negative on U.S.-Pakistan relations and how? The 2013 Pakistan Elections: Hope Going Forward? Case Study Overview: The May 11th 2013 elections in Pakistan represented the first time that a civilian regime completed its term in office and held elections in which power was transferred democratically to a new civilian regime. In a country where the security establishment has a long history of throwing out elected regimes and manipulating results, this in itself was an important landmark. General elections were held in Pakistan to elect a new country leader, as well as the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Elections were held in all four provinces, Islamabad’s federal capital territory and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The remaining two territories of Pakistan, the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, were ineligible to vote due to their disputed status. Allegations on systematic vote rigging, favoritism, and ethnicity trends on political parties marred with controversy regarding the nationwide elections. This eventually led to anti–government march that called for electoral reforms in 2014. In the end, the fifth largest democracy and second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia in the world exercised its right to vote, and indeed the elections are noted for the first civilian transfer of power following the successful completion of a five-year term by a democratically elected government. Scattered gun and bomb attacks marred an otherwise celebratory day in a nation mired in economic crisis and locked in a fight with a virulent native Taliban insurgency. By the time polls closed in the evening, at least 20 people had died in attacks, the most serious targeting a pro U.S. political party in the southern port city of Karachi. The violence, which included blasts outside a political office in Karachi that left 10 dead, capped a bloody election season. More than 130 people have been killed in bombings and shootings over the campaign, prompting some to call this one of the deadliest votes in the country’s history. All in all, the elections were a step forward. People voted in large numbers, proving once again that the Taliban propaganda against this so called “heathen system of government” did not get much traction. If the new government can deliver a more capable regime and restore the economy, some additional miracles may fall into place and Pakistan may be in a much happier place by the 2018 national elections. If not, that country may continue to be subjected to a more troubled and uncertain future. Required Resource for Case Writers Before you begin researching and writing your case, all members of you group, should become familiar with the following resources: http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2013/05/aftermath-pakistan-elections-2013.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan Questions to Consider/Answer in the Development of this Case • What has been the trend historically of elections in Pakistan? • Why was this 2013 national election historical? (Give specific examples/reasons). • Who were the major players/key candidates in this election and how did they impact the process? • How did violence affect this election process—before, during, and after? Who was responsible for that violence? • What were and are the challenges that continue to face this new Pakistan administration? • How will this new Pakistan Prime Minister continue to work with the United States going forward? Have the last two years been positive or negative on U.S.-Pakistan relations and how? The 2013 Pakistan Elections: Hope Going Forward? Case Study Overview: The May 11th 2013 elections in Pakistan represented the first time that a civilian regime completed its term in office and held elections in which power was transferred democratically to a new civilian regime. In a country where the security establishment has a long history of throwing out elected regimes and manipulating results, this in itself was an important landmark. General elections were held in Pakistan to elect a new country leader, as well as the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Elections were held in all four provinces, Islamabad’s federal capital territory and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The remaining two territories of Pakistan, the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, were ineligible to vote due to their disputed status. Allegations on systematic vote rigging, favoritism, and ethnicity trends on political parties marred with controversy regarding the nationwide elections. This eventually led to anti–government march that called for electoral reforms in 2014. In the end, the fifth largest democracy and second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia in the world exercised its right to vote, and indeed the elections are noted for the first civilian transfer of power following the successful completion of a five-year term by a democratically elected government. Scattered gun and bomb attacks marred an otherwise celebratory day in a nation mired in economic crisis and locked in a fight with a virulent native Taliban insurgency. By the time polls closed in the evening, at least 20 people had died in attacks, the most serious targeting a pro U.S. political party in the southern port city of Karachi. The violence, which included blasts outside a political office in Karachi that left 10 dead, capped a bloody election season. More than 130 people have been killed in bombings and shootings over the campaign, prompting some to call this one of the deadliest votes in the country’s history. All in all, the elections were a step forward. People voted in large numbers, proving once again that the Taliban propaganda against this so called “heathen system of government” did not get much traction. If the new government can deliver a more capable regime and restore the economy, some additional miracles may fall into place and Pakistan may be in a much happier place by the 2018 national elections. If not, that country may continue to be subjected to a more troubled and uncertain future. Required Resource for Case Writers Before you begin researching and writing your case, all members of you group, should become familiar with the following resources: http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2013/05/aftermath-pakistan-elections-2013.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan Questions to Consider/Answer in the Development of this Case • What has been the trend historically of elections in Pakistan? • Why was this 2013 national election historical? (Give specific examples/reasons). • Who were the major players/key candidates in this election and how did they impact the process? • How did violence affect this election process—before, during, and after? Who was responsible for that violence? • What were and are the challenges that continue to face this new Pakistan administration? • How will this new Pakistan Prime Minister continue to work with the United States going forward? Have the last two years been positive or negative on U.S.-Pakistan relations and how? The 2013 Pakistan Elections: Hope Going Forward? Case Study Overview: The May 11th 2013 elections in Pakistan represented the first time that a civilian regime completed its term in office and held elections in which power was transferred democratically to a new civilian regime. In a country where the security establishment has a long history of throwing out elected regimes and manipulating results, this in itself was an important landmark. General elections were held in Pakistan to elect a new country leader, as well as the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Elections were held in all four provinces, Islamabad’s federal capital territory and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The remaining two territories of Pakistan, the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, were ineligible to vote due to their disputed status. Allegations on systematic vote rigging, favoritism, and ethnicity trends on political parties marred with controversy regarding the nationwide elections. This eventually led to anti–government march that called for electoral reforms in 2014. In the end, the fifth largest democracy and second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia in the world exercised its right to vote, and indeed the elections are noted for the first civilian transfer of power following the successful completion of a five-year term by a democratically elected government. Scattered gun and bomb attacks marred an otherwise celebratory day in a nation mired in economic crisis and locked in a fight with a virulent native Taliban insurgency. By the time polls closed in the evening, at least 20 people had died in attacks, the most serious targeting a pro U.S. political party in the southern port city of Karachi. The violence, which included blasts outside a political office in Karachi that left 10 dead, capped a bloody election season. More than 130 people have been killed in bombings and shootings over the campaign, prompting some to call this one of the deadliest votes in the country’s history. All in all, the elections were a step forward. People voted in large numbers, proving once again that the Taliban propaganda against this so called “heathen system of government” did not get much traction. If the new government can deliver a more capable regime and restore the economy, some additional miracles may fall into place and Pakistan may be in a much happier place by the 2018 national elections. If not, that country may continue to be subjected to a more troubled and uncertain future. Required Resource for Case Writers Before you begin researching and writing your case, all members of you group, should become familiar with the following resources: http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2013/05/aftermath-pakistan-elections-2013.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan Questions to Consider/Answer in the Development of this Case • What has been the trend historically of elections in Pakistan? • Why was this 2013 national election historical? (Give specific examples/reasons). • Who were the major players/key candidates in this election and how did they impact the process? • How did violence affect this election process—before, during, and after? Who was responsible for that violence? • What were and are the challenges that continue to face this new Pakistan administration? • How will this new Pakistan Prime Minister continue to work with the United States going forward? Have the last two years been positive or negative on U.S.-Pakistan relations and how? The 2013 Pakistan Elections: Hope Going Forward? Case Study Overview: The May 11th 2013 elections in Pakistan represented the first time that a civilian regime completed its term in office and held elections in which power was transferred democratically to a new civilian regime. In a country where the security establishment has a long history of throwing out elected regimes and manipulating results, this in itself was an important landmark. General elections were held in Pakistan to elect a new country leader, as well as the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Elections were held in all four provinces, Islamabad’s federal capital territory and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The remaining two territories of Pakistan, the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, were ineligible to vote due to their disputed status. Allegations on systematic vote rigging, favoritism, and ethnicity trends on political parties marred with controversy regarding the nationwide elections. This eventually led to anti–government march that called for electoral reforms in 2014. In the end, the fifth largest democracy and second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia in the world exercised its right to vote, and indeed the elections are noted for the first civilian transfer of power following the successful completion of a five-year term by a democratically elected government. Scattered gun and bomb attacks marred an otherwise celebratory day in a nation mired in economic crisis and locked in a fight with a virulent native Taliban insurgency. By the time polls closed in the evening, at least 20 people had died in attacks, the most serious targeting a pro U.S. political party in the southern port city of Karachi. The violence, which included blasts outside a political office in Karachi that left 10 dead, capped a bloody election season. More than 130 people have been killed in bombings and shootings over the campaign, prompting some to call this one of the deadliest votes in the country’s history. All in all, the elections were a step forward. People voted in large numbers, proving once again that the Taliban propaganda against this so called “heathen system of government” did not get much traction. If the new government can deliver a more capable regime and restore the economy, some additional miracles may fall into place and Pakistan may be in a much happier place by the 2018 national elections. If not, that country may continue to be subjected to a more troubled and uncertain future. Required Resource for Case Writers Before you begin researching and writing your case, all members of you group, should become familiar with the following resources: http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2013/05/aftermath-pakistan-elections-2013.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan Questions to Consider/Answer in the Development of this Case • What has been the trend historically of elections in Pakistan? • Why was this 2013 national election historical? (Give specific examples/reasons). • Who were the major players/key candidates in this election and how did they impact the process? • How did violence affect this election process—before, during, and after? Who was responsible for that violence? • What were and are the challenges that continue to face this new Pakistan administration? • How will this new Pakistan Prime Minister continue to work with the United States going forward? Have the last two years been positive or negative on U.S.-Pakistan relations and how? The 2013 Pakistan Elections: Hope Going Forward? Case Study Overview: The May 11th 2013 elections in Pakistan represented the first time that a civilian regime completed its term in office and held elections in which power was transferred democratically to a new civilian regime. In a country where the security establishment has a long history of throwing out elected regimes and manipulating results, this in itself was an important landmark. General elections were held in Pakistan to elect a new country leader, as well as the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Elections were held in all four provinces, Islamabad’s federal capital territory and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The remaining two territories of Pakistan, the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, were ineligible to vote due to their disputed status. Allegations on systematic vote rigging, favoritism, and ethnicity trends on political parties marred with controversy regarding the nationwide elections. This eventually led to anti–government march that called for electoral reforms in 2014. In the end, the fifth largest democracy and second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia in the world exercised its right to vote, and indeed the elections are noted for the first civilian transfer of power following the successful completion of a five-year term by a democratically elected government. Scattered gun and bomb attacks marred an otherwise celebratory day in a nation mired in economic crisis and locked in a fight with a virulent native Taliban insurgency. By the time polls closed in the evening, at least 20 people had died in attacks, the most serious targeting a pro U.S. political party in the southern port city of Karachi. The violence, which included blasts outside a political office in Karachi that left 10 dead, capped a bloody election season. More than 130 people have been killed in bombings and shootings over the campaign, prompting some to call this one of the deadliest votes in the country’s history. All in all, the elections were a step forward. People voted in large numbers, proving once again that the Taliban propaganda against this so called “heathen system of government” did not get much traction. If the new government can deliver a more capable regime and restore the economy, some additional miracles may fall into place and Pakistan may be in a much happier place by the 2018 national elections. If not, that country may continue to be subjected to a more troubled and uncertain future. Required Resource for Case Writers Before you begin researching and writing your case, all members of you group, should become familiar with the following resources: http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2013/05/aftermath-pakistan-elections-2013.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan Questions to Consider/Answer in the Development of this Case • What has been the trend historically of elections in Pakistan? • Why was this 2013 national election historical? (Give specific examples/reasons). • Who were the major players/key candidates in this election and how did they impact the process? • How did violence affect this election process—before, during, and after? Who was responsible for that violence? • What were and are the challenges that continue to face this new Pakistan administration? • How will this new Pakistan Prime Minister continue to work with the United States going forward? Have the last two years been positive or negative on U.S.-Pakistan relations and how? The 2013 Pakistan Elections: Hope Going Forward? Case Study Overview: The May 11th 2013 elections in Pakistan represented the first time that a civilian regime completed its term in office and held elections in which power was transferred democratically to a new civilian regime. In a country where the security establishment has a long history of throwing out elected regimes and manipulating results, this in itself was an important landmark. General elections were held in Pakistan to elect a new country leader, as well as the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Elections were held in all four provinces, Islamabad’s federal capital territory and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The remaining two territories of Pakistan, the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, were ineligible to vote due to their disputed status. Allegations on systematic vote rigging, favoritism, and ethnicity trends on political parties marred with controversy regarding the nationwide elections. This eventually led to anti–government march that called for electoral reforms in 2014. In the end, the fifth largest democracy and second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia in the world exercised its right to vote, and indeed the elections are noted for the first civilian transfer of power following the successful completion of a five-year term by a democratically elected government. Scattered gun and bomb attacks marred an otherwise celebratory day in a nation mired in economic crisis and locked in a fight with a virulent native Taliban insurgency. By the time polls closed in the evening, at least 20 people had died in attacks, the most serious targeting a pro U.S. political party in the southern port city of Karachi. The violence, which included blasts outside a political office in Karachi that left 10 dead, capped a bloody election season. More than 130 people have been killed in bombings and shootings over the campaign, prompting some to call this one of the deadliest votes in the country’s history. All in all, the elections were a step forward. People voted in large numbers, proving once again that the Taliban propaganda against this so called “heathen system of government” did not get much traction. If the new government can deliver a more capable regime and restore the economy, some additional miracles may fall into place and Pakistan may be in a much happier place by the 2018 national elections. If not, that country may continue to be subjected to a more troubled and uncertain future. Required Resource for Case Writers Before you begin researching and writing your case, all members of you group, should become familiar with the following resources: http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2013/05/aftermath-pakistan-elections-2013.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan Questions to Consider/Answer in the Development of this Case • What has been the trend historically of elections in Pakistan? • Why was this 2013 national election historical? (Give specific examples/reasons). • Who were the major players/key candidates in this election and how did they impact the process? • How did violence affect this election process—before, during, and after? Who was responsible for that violence? • What were and are the challenges that continue to face this new Pakistan administration? • How will this new Pakistan Prime Minister continue to work with the United States going forward? Have the last two years been positive or negative on U.S.-Pakistan relations and how? The 2013 Pakistan Elections: Hope Going Forward? Case Study Overview: The May 11th 2013 elections in Pakistan represented the first time that a civilian regime completed its term in office and held elections in which power was transferred democratically to a new civilian regime. In a country where the security establishment has a long history of throwing out elected regimes and manipulating results, this in itself was an important landmark. General elections were held in Pakistan to elect a new country leader, as well as the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Elections were held in all four provinces, Islamabad’s federal capital territory and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The remaining two territories of Pakistan, the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, were ineligible to vote due to their disputed status. Allegations on systematic vote rigging, favoritism, and ethnicity trends on political parties marred with controversy regarding the nationwide elections. This eventually led to anti–government march that called for electoral reforms in 2014. In the end, the fifth largest democracy and second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia in the world exercised its right to vote, and indeed the elections are noted for the first civilian transfer of power following the successful completion of a five-year term by a democratically elected government. Scattered gun and bomb attacks marred an otherwise celebratory day in a nation mired in economic crisis and locked in a fight with a virulent native Taliban insurgency. By the time polls closed in the evening, at least 20 people had died in attacks, the most serious targeting a pro U.S. political party in the southern port city of Karachi. The violence, which included blasts outside a political office in Karachi that left 10 dead, capped a bloody election season. More than 130 people have been killed in bombings and shootings over the campaign, prompting some to call this one of the deadliest votes in the country’s history. All in all, the elections were a step forward. People voted in large numbers, proving once again that the Taliban propaganda against this so called “heathen system of government” did not get much traction. If the new government can deliver a more capable regime and restore the economy, some additional miracles may fall into place and Pakistan may be in a much happier place by the 2018 national elections. If not, that country may continue to be subjected to a more troubled and uncertain future. Required Resource for Case Writers Before you begin researching and writing your case, all members of you group, should become familiar with the following resources: http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2013/05/aftermath-pakistan-elections-2013.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan Questions to Consider/Answer in the Development of this Case • What has been the trend historically of elections in Pakistan? • Why was this 2013 national election historical? (Give specific examples/reasons). • Who were the major players/key candidates in this election and how did they impact the process? • How did violence affect this election process—before, during, and after? Who was responsible for that violence? • What were and are the challenges that continue to face this new Pakistan administration? • How will this new Pakistan Prime Minister continue to work with the United States going forward? Have the last two years been positive or negative on U.S.-Pakistan relations and how?