Vote for President of Pakistan on: Result to stall till SC’s verdict on Musharraf

Oct 06: The much talked about Pakistan’s presidential polls is scheduled to be held today but the Supreme Court of the nation has directed the Election Commission not to announce the result of the elections till the court delivers its verdict on Musharraf’s reelection as president along with the post of army chief.

Earlier the court after considering the petition from opposition had declined to stay the election. However, Pervez Musharraf is all set for another term with majority as Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party is ready to vote for Musharraf with the power-sharing deal.

Though there are five candidates on the frame but Musharraf is expected to win the poll with PPP’s support. Musharraf on Friday has signed a National Reconciliation Ordinance with Bhutto which provides compensation against cases of corruption charges dating from 1986 to 1999.

However, Musharraf has not agreed with any demand of Bhutto regarding the removal of bar on the third term of prime minister and also on the veto power of president to dismiss the elected Prime Minister under article 58 (2) (b) of the constitution. But the deal can certainly provide litheness to Bhutto to freely camping for the upcoming general election without facing arrest after her return.

Speaking on the Election Day Musharraf told, “I will shed my uniform the day my reelection is confirmed”. But such decision can only reduce his credibility. Again if the apex court delivers its verdict against Musharraf then the General may impose martial law and certainly a push back to the road of democracy.

Today’s polling as per the constitutional guidelines of the presidential election will count the votes of all 1170 members of National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies.

Musharraf may face some kind of competition from Justice Wajiihuddin Ahmed, a retired Supreme Court lawyer fielded by the lawyers’ community and the Makhdoom Amin Fahim an ex-leader of Pakistan People’s Party.

Meanwhile the scenario in Pakistan is not going to change with presidential election as the freedom of expression of the people of Pakistan has been suppressed for long. In fact the deal with both the pro-American leaders clearly seems the result of pressure by US and Britain as both the nations want to have good relations with a nuclear armed Pakistan where al-Qaida has found a safe haven.

Musharraf’s reelection will further intensify Pakistan’s political crisis. Still Benazir Bhutto has asked her party members not to quit the assembly in case Parvez is elected as president. On the other hand as the whole world eye for a free and fair general elections in the country it is important to see what will be the verdict by the Supreme Court and the outcome of the elections.