meaning of : stopped dead

[user_gary]

The electoral process has been stopped dead in its tracks. I think there is a very real possibility that Musharraf will decide that the situation has got out of control and that he needs to impose emergency rule again.




Please tell me what "stopped dead" means in this paragraph.

[amigos4]

Originally Posted by user_gary

The electoral process has been stopped dead in its tracks. I think there is a very real possibility that Musharraf will decide that the situation has got out of control and that he needs to impose emergency rule again.




Please tell me what "stopped dead" means in this paragraph.

The electoral process has been halted in its tracks. (To 'stop dead' in its tracks means that there will be no further advancement along the present 'track' toward the scheduled election. A new direction/course of action will need to happen if there is to be an election.)

Cheers,
Amigos4