ABSTRACT
The October 1990 general elections in Pakistan were both a crucial milestone and a controversial political event for the country. This chapter analyzes the elections with respect to three categories of issues. First, the circumstances of the elections, including the questionable dismissal of the Benazir Bhutto government and the characteristics and conduct of the interim government which was in power during the intervening ten week period. Second, the conduct of the elections themselves, including both the campaign and the events on election day. Thirdly, the consequences of these events for both the balance of political forces in Pakistan and deeper questions concerning the viability and stability of the political system. Pakistan has a long tradition of accusing deposed or defeated opponents of corruption and wrongdoing, by means of proceedings which have come to be referred to as accountability. Government ownership of television and radio provides a powerful perquisite of office.
