Another coalition likely; cricket star’s draw is key

Pakistan’s upcoming elections promise to be close, resulting again in no party getting a majority.

Polls predict that opposition leader Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-N will emerge as the single biggest party. Sharif, who in the past has ruled as a mild Islamist, would then need to forge a coalition with smaller parties.

The outcome of the election depends partly on the performance of Imran Khan, a cricket star turned politician, who is popular among young citizens. Khan appeals to both the young and liberal who traditionally vote for the Pakistan Peoples Party, as well as conservatives, who are usually drawn to Sharif’s party. The number of seats Khan takes and from which party could be decisive.