April 19, 2002. Copyright 2002. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

PakistanÕs President Musharraf hopes to extend rule

LONDON, April 19, Graphic News: As President Pervez Musharraf embarks on what amounts to a one-candidate election campaign, his most formidable opponent may be Pakistan itself. 

Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in October 1999, announced last week that he will hold a referendum on April 30 on whether he should have a full five-year term as president. He also promised to hold parliamentary elections by October, as the Supreme Court has ordered.

Most Pakistanis have reservations about what they see as just another attempt by the military to perpetuate its rule. Skepticism was evident in Lahore on Tuesday, when Musharraf presided over the first of a dozen political rallies he plans before the vote.

ÒThe future of democracy in Pakistan is in your hands,Ó Musharraf told his audience. ÒOn the day of the referendum, you people have to decide: Do you want to return Pakistan to the people who looted our country? Do you want to end my reforms?Ó The crowd responded with a weak ÒNo.Ó

The army has ruled independent Pakistan for more than half of its 54 years, and this isnÕt the first time the military has used a referendum to extend its rule. In 1984 a referendum was held by Gen. Mohammad Zia ul-Haq, violating the 1973 constitution which authorizes Parliament alone to choose a president. 

This monthÕs vote likewise raises constitutional questions, but they are unlikely to be heard -- on Tuesday Musharraf issued an edict forbidding the courts from accepting challenges against the referendum, something several groups had threatened.

The 16-party Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy is boycotting the vote, former Prime Minister Nawaz SharifÕs Pakistan Muslim League and former Prime Minister Benazir BhuttoÕs Pakistan Peoples Party are threatening boycotts as well.
/ENDS

Source: Wire Agencies