Vote counting has begun in Pakistan, where a general election was held on Monday following months of political violence.
Partial early results could be available later on Monday. Official returns are not expected until Wednesday.
Voting picked up after a slow start, as fears of militant attacks appeared to keep some people away from the polls -- despite the presence of 80-thousand troops on the streets. No major attacks were reported but at least 12 people were killed in scattered violence on election day.
Nearly 81 million people were registered to choose a new National Assembly and four provincial assemblies.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf cast his ballot in Rawalpindi, vowing to work with the new government -- regardless of who becomes prime minister. His office is not contested in this election, but if opposition parties win a two-thirds majority, they would have enough votes to impeach him for securing another presidential term by an outgoing parliament.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Q, which backs President Musharraf, is being challenged by the Pakistan People's Party of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and the Pakistan Muslim League-N, headed by another former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif.
Pre-election surveys found minimal support for the government and tipped the PPP to win the most votes. PPP members say if the election results do not match the polls, it would be a sign the voting was rigged.
Opposition parties have threatened to hold nationwide protests if there is fraud. A U.S. Senate delegation is in Pakistan to observe the ballot along with U.S. observers, who have expressed concerns about some voter lists.
The polls are intended to complete the transition to civilian democracy following eight years of military rule under President Musharraf. They took place in the midst of growing militant violence, including the assassination of Ms. Bhutto in December.