The Historical Context of the 2013 Parliamentary Elections in Pakistan

Pakistan held parliamentary elections on 11 May 2013, representing nothing short of a substantial turning point in this crisis-ridden country’s history: A democratically legitimate, civilian government took over following a full legislative period through largely free and fair elections for the first time since Pakistan’s independence in 1947. Such a conventional, peaceful power shift under the rules of a parliamentary democracy is a completely new experience for Pakistan, one that brings with it great hope for the future.