Pakistanis go to polls for historic election
ISLAMABAD – Despite a bloody campaign marred by Taliban attacks, Pakistan holds historic elections today pitting a former cricket star against a two-time prime minister once exiled by the army and an incumbent blamed for power blackouts and inflation.
The vote marks the first time in Pakistan’s 65-year history that a civilian government has completed its full term and handed over power in democratic elections. Previous governments have been toppled by military coups or sacked by presidents allied with the powerful army.
The vote is being watched closely by Washington because the U.S. relies on the nuclear-armed country of 180 million people for help in fighting Islamic militants and negotiating an end to the war in neighboring Afghanistan.
Malcolm X’s grandson killed in Mexico City
MEXICO CITY – Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of political activist Malcolm X, was found dead outside a Mexico City bar after a violent dispute about the bill, authorities said Friday. He was 28.
City prosecutors are investigating the attack that sent Shabazz to a nearby hospital with severe injuries. He died hours later on Thursday. U.S. officials confirmed that Shabazz was killed in Mexico City.
Labor activist Miguel Suarez, who was traveling with Shabazz, told The Associated Press that his friend was beaten up at a bar near Plaza Garibaldi, a downtown square that is home to Mexico City’s mariachis.
Associated Press
