ISLAMABAD: Votes are being counted in Pakistan after yesterday’s general election which was marred by the suspension of mobile phone services and violent unrest, BBC reported.

Many analysts say this is among Pakistan’s least credible elections and results have been slow to come out compared to previous votes.

Some 44 parties competed for a seat in the National Assembly – but many experts agree there is only one contender for the top job – former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, BBC said.

Once viewed as an opponent to Pakistan’s powerful military, Sharif is now seen as their preferred candidate in a dramatic turnaround in fortunes, it added.

Ex-PM Imran Khan has been barred from standing, after being ousted from power and is now imprisoned on several convictions.

But Imran Khan’s popularity has not waned even from behind bars, and many from his PTI party stood as independent candidates.

First-time candidate Bilalwal Bhutto Zardari, son of former leader Benazir Bhutto, is also in the running.

(BBC)