Pakistani ex-prime minister Sharif declares victory in historic election marred by violence
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif declared victory following a historic election marred by violence Saturday, a remarkable comeback for a leader once toppled in a military coup and sent into exile.
Pakistan opposition parties took commanding leads in unofficial returns early Tuesday in Parliamentary elections, heading toward a victory that could challenge President Pervez Musharraf's rule eight years after seizing power in a military coup.Monday's balloting was aimed at bolstering democracy and ending a year-long political crisis, but fear and apathy kept millions of voters at home.The government confirmed 24 election-related deaths over the past 36 hours.