Forty-four political parties will compete, but the projected frontrunner is the Pakistan Muslim League, led by three-time former Premier Nawaz Sharif, who returned to Pakistan from exile last year. Over 100 million people are eligible to vote, but the country is still reeling from a deadly bomb blast in Baluchistan on the eve of the election.
Pakistan's new government will have their work cut out for them, and foremost on any agenda will be addressing an ongoing economic crisis. Pakistan currently faces high unemployment combined with skyrocketing prices of basic goods and energy. This is compounded by political turmoil, with many voters saying they believe the contest has been decided in advance by Pakistan's powerful military. Voter apathy has been reflected in a lackluster campaign season in the run up to voting day. Security issues are another problem, with militant attacks occurring at a greater frequency in recent months. In the latest incident on Wednesday, two bombings in Baluchistan province killed at least 26 people. An offshoot of the so-called "Islamic State" claimed responsibility for one of the blasts. Authorities have said they are boosting security at polling booths following the attacks.
Pakistan's former ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Ireland has said the bombings on the eve of the country's parliamentary elections suggest a "collapse in law and order" and undermine efforts to establish a democratic process.

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