Prologue

In October last, we had carried out a detailed analysis of the 2013 general election scene in Pakistan, identifying the main players and their prospects. Over the last six months many new developments have taken place, which necessitate a reappraisal of the election scene. New alliances have been made, expected tie-ups have not materialised, influential politicians have switched loyalties and parties (sometimes twice or thrice), decisions have been made that could have a critical impact on the way the polls are conducted and the results they throw up. For instance, the delimitation of some seats in Karachi, the complete overhaul of voter lists which have removed some 40 million names and added an almost similar number, and the possibility of expatriate Pakistanis exercising their right to franchise for the first time.

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