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Possible coup in Pakistan? 4 key questions

4. Who’s likely to benefit from early elections?

  • By Issam Ahmed Correspondent

On the domestic front, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is unpopular owing to its poor handling of the economy, hyper inflation, a chronic energy crisis, and a spike in corruption. Analysts expect the PPP to perform poorly at elections, though they could hope to win some support by attempting to blame the Army and Supreme Court.

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has seen a surge in his popularity and has won over many key political allies of former rule Pervez Musharraf, who himself has announced a return to Pakistan by the end of the month, despite facing arrest upon arrival. Mr. Khan would likely need to ally himself with other parties seen as close to the military establishment to win power.

The PML-N party of former premier Nawaz Sharif, meanwhile, is banking on early elections before Khan’s party has time to gather enough momentum.

The PML-N walked out of parliament Jan. 16 in protest at the resolution passed by the PPP, in a sign that they, too, may be inching closer to supporting the Army.

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Mark Sappenfield
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