Election in doubt after Benazir Bhutto murder

The viability of Pakistan's elections has been thrown into question after the country's election commission said it would hold an emergency meeting in the coming days to assess the impact of the violence raging across the country.

The violence, which followed the killing of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Thursday, led to the destruction of nine polling stations, including the voter rolls inside, the commission said in a statement.

The election, planned for Jan 8, is seen as a crucial step in restoring stability and bring democracy back to this nuclear-armed nation.

"All activities pertaining to pre-poll arrangements, including printing of ballot papers and logistics as well as training of polling personnel, have been adversely affected," the commission said.

In some places the security situation was "not conducive" to holding the elections, which Miss Bhutto had come home from exile in October to take part in.

The country's remaining opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, has already indicated that his party will boycott the election. London Telegraph