Snap Elections in Pakistan

[Ellinas]

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf laid down the electoral timetable providing for snap general elections by 9 January 2008, assigning the nation’s Election Commission to set the exact date.

In his first news conference after declaring emergency rule on 3 November, Pakistan’s President said it had been the most difficult decision ever. However, he avoided saying when emergency rule would be lifted.

He claimed he had made no mistakes and that he had not run contrary to the Constitution by declaring the county in a state of emergency.

Despite coming in for harsh criticism by all Pakistani opposition parties and foreign governments, Musharraf stressed his decision was in the nation’s interest.

He further stated that all political leaders that had been arrested would be let loose to take part in the elections and carry out their campaigns. He added, however, that the emergency rule would remain to ensure the election ran smoothly.

"But if they disturb law and order, and if they want to create anarchy in Pakistan in the name of elections, in the name of democracy, we must not allow that," said he.

ERT