Pakistani politicians wind up election campaign

By Augustine Anthony

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani politicians were winding up campaigns on Saturday for a general election that is meant to complete a transition to civilian rule but has been overshadowed by fear of violence and accusations of rigging.

The elections on Monday are for a new parliament and provincial assemblies and while President Pervez Musharraf is not taking part, the vote could have significant implications for the U.S. ally if voters elect a parliament hostile to him.

The vote comes after a surge in violence that included the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Dec. 27, which has raised fears about the nuclear-armed country's stability.

But many Pakistanis are more concerned about rising prices and shortages of basic commodities such as wheat flour and ever more frequent power cuts.

Many are disillusioned with all politicians.

"It'll be very difficult to change this country," said Mohammad Abbas, who works in a rice shop in the town of Sabboki in Punjab province.

"Whatever the politicians do they do for themselves, not for change," said Abbas, who said he would not be voting.

The elections come after months of political turmoil over the increasingly unpopular Musharraf's efforts to stay in power.