As A dress rehearsal for crucial elections due in 2007, supposedly to return Pakistan to true democracy, this month's local elections were discouraging. At least 50 people have been killed in politically inspired clashes. The last, and most important, phase of the vote-to elect 110 district mayors-has been postponed until October 6th, because the electoral commission has ordered re-polling in scores of areas. A turnout of 48% by 30m registered voters was surprisingly high (it was 40% in the previous local and general elections), although, as usual, charges of rigging have discredited the figure.
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