In 1969, President Ayub Khan handed over rule to General Yahya Khan, who announced elections to be held in October, 1970. These elections were postponed till December, due to heavy floods in East Pakistan.

	West and East Pakistan, separated by 2000 miles of Indian territory

	General Yahya Khan

Meanwhile, East Pakistan had become increasingly dissatisfied with its position in the power structure. The elections resulted in majority wins for Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party, in the West, and Sheikh Mujib's Awami League in the East, which also had overall majority.

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