The assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan today is a shocking blow to the nation but also raises significant challenges to the future of democracy in Pakistan. Bhutto was killed by gunfire and a suicide bomb attack as she was leaving an election rally in Rawalpindi.

Bhutto’s return’s to Pakistan in October -after eight years of exile -was marred by similar scenes of chaos and a failed assassination attempt. At the time, Bhutto defiantly announced that she would not be deterred by such threats and would continue campaigning for the upcoming elections in January. Fellow campaigner and opposition party leader Nawaz Sharif has also narrowly escaped attempt on his life since his return to Pakistan. Since the return of both former Prime Ministers, there have been a number of similar incidents and violent demonstrations across the country, leading President Musharraf to impose marshal law. Just two weeks ago, the President lifted martial law, following intense pressure from home and abroad.

The killing is now likely to intensify Pakistan’s political crises and raises doubts about the possibility of January elections going ahead.

The restoration of democracy is the greatest challenge facing the country, but in the coming days and months, ensuring stability across the country will prove an immensely difficult task. Public grief and outrage has already begun to spill out on to the streets and as Pakistan has witnessed all too often, these demonstrations can potentially lead to widespread civil strife.

It is crucial that democracy does not become the scapegoat of this tragedy and that the government allows democratic elections to proceed as planned.