Military imprint, graft shadow make Pakistan election a close contest

Pakistan's army has long worried that a civilian government could make overtures to India and Afghanistan, ultimately reducing the need for a powerful military

Pakistanis are voting on Wednesday in a closely fought election that will determine the course of the nuclear-armed nation central to US anti-terrorism efforts and China’s global infrastructure ambitions.

Surveys show none of the top three parties winning a majority, paving the way for horse-trading to form a government after results come in late tonight. Pakistan’s powerful military -- which has ruled for much of the nation’s history -- has faced accusations during the campaign of intimidating critics and reporters to elect a pliant government. It has denied the allegations.

Imran Khan, the celebrated former cricketer turned anti-corruption crusader, had