I do not expect Musharraf to lose, but surprises do happen, so never say never.

The fact is that despite American fears of what or who could rise to power in Pakistan in the event of Musharraf’s demise, it’s well known that he has been shaking down the West like a bunch of suckers for years. 9/11 could not have come at a more opportune time for the Pakistani dictator, who now presides over this election-like event to please those who have been lavishing him with blackmail money, er, military aid, for years

And no matter how this election turns out, I think we will still see the gradual degradation of Musharraf’s government, really only a matter of time until he’s simply a figure head, or the military throws him out.

He doesn’t strike me as a man who inspires respect among the Pakistani elite, I suppose it’s Washington that is simply propping him up, at this point. He works hard for the money.