Pakistan Vote to Be Delayed at Least 4 Weeks

Pakistan's January 8 election will be postponed by at least 4 weeks, "if not more," because of violence in the wake of Benazir Bhutto's assassination, election officials tell AFP. The election commission recommended a delay, but won't specify a date until tomorrow. Bhutto's party opposes postponement on grounds that a delay would help opponents such as Nawaz Sharif, who, for the same reason, accepts a delay.

Officials cite damage to more than 40 election offices in Bhutto's troubled home province alone, missing staffers, and lagging ballot printing. The date will come after the commission consults  with major parties and hearing damage reports from provinces. After days of rioting brought much of the country to a standstill, life in major cities is almost back to normal today, AFP reports, with shops beginning to open and vehicles on streets. (More Pakistan elections stories.)