“Three potential challenges are linked to the legitimacy of the elections through prolonged legal proceedings, protests and potential for violence,” said political analyst Amber Rahim Shamsi.

“In the short-term, any coalition birthed through a highly controversial election in a highly charged political environment will find it challenging to enact unpopular reforms that Pakistan desperately needs,” Shamsi told AFP.

“No government will have the luxury of time and political security after these elections,” said Shamsi.

“There are also fears that this political insecurity will continue until the next elections, which could be earlier than five years,” added Shamsi.