Zardari is the Peoples Party's candidate to replace Musharraf as president. Now that he appears to be the front-runner, the Peoples Party is in no hurry to take away the president's power to dissolve Parliament – another sticking point with Sharif.

"Zardari becoming the president would be the most unfortunate event in Pakistan's history," said engineer Raheel Rehman, 27.

"A thug is going to be the president of this country," said palm reader Tawakkul Hussain, 35. "We have no options ahead of us. Once again, they are taking turns in power. This is Zardari's turn. After that, it will be Nawaz's turn. He is equally irresponsible and corrupt."

The provincial and national assemblies will vote for the president Sept. 6.