For the Ages

Pakistan Votes in Historic Election

For first-ever civilian government transition.

Polls opened in Pakistan on Saturday for its first transition between civilian governments in its 66-year history. Lines grew so long that voting was extended by one hour throughout the country. But doubts about the election's potential success linger, and violence at political offices and polling stations has occurred (in the day's worst incident, 11 people were killed in a bombing in Karachi). The attacks appear to be the culmination of Pakistan's ongoing violence in the days leading up to the election, during which more than 100 people were killed. Troops were deployed to polling sites to prevent suicide attacks threatened by the Taliban.