The party can expect to pick up a sympathy vote after Bhutto's killing and its core support would remain for now, even though Bilawal would return to university and the fact that Zardari, like Bhutto, was tainted by corruption accusations, political analysts said.
"It will retain support in the short term but obviously, in the long term they'll have to earn their spurs and demonstrate leadership," said former minister and analyst Shafqat Mahmood.
But the choice of the Bhutto son and husband to lead the party raised eyebrows among some Pakistanis.
"I don't think Zardari is capable enough of handling the party himself. Bilawal is too young, the father is not capable. Someone else should be appointed," said Ferooz Menon, 37, who has an electronics business in the eastern city of Lahore.
ANGER AGAINST MUSHARRAF
Anger against Musharraf burns strongly among Bhutto supporters and since her death sporadic violence has erupted, boosting fears about nuclear-armed Pakistan's stability.
Pakistan's stocks are expected to tumble on Monday due to political turmoil and violence, which threaten to scare off foreign investors and damage the economy.
Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city, financial capital and main port, has been paralysed by a spasm of street violence. Shops have been shuttered, petrol stations closed and railways attacked by angry mobs, bringing transport to a standstill.
The death toll from the violence has reached 47.
Streets in Karachi were generally quiet and deserted on Sunday though a disabled man was burned to death when a petrol station was set on fire.
Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party has dismissed a government statement that al Qaeda killed her, saying Musharraf's embattled administration was trying to cover up its failure to protect her.
