Islamabad, September 10
Clearing the decks for President Gen. Pervez Musharraf’s re-election, the Pakistan cabinet today unanimously endorsed his re-election in uniform by the present assemblies.
All coalition partners present in the Cabinet said the re-election of Musharraf is essential for the country’s stability, security and growth, an official statement said.
The endorsement came a day after the announcement by the Pakistan Election Commission that the schedule of Presidential election would shortly be released.
Chief election commissioner, retired supreme court judge, Qazi Muhammad Farooq has said election to the office of the President shall be held in accordance with the provision of the Constitution of Pakistan and that all necessary arrangements are being made for it.
Gen. Musharraf has been saying that he plans to get re-elected in uniform by the present assemblies between September 15 and October 15.
His re-election and his continuation in dual posts had already been challenged in the supreme court.
Musharraf maintains that he is constitutionally entitled to continue in uniform till the end of this year after which he would decide whether to shed it or not. He also promises to hold general elections perhaps by January 2008 after his re-election. The government has stated that the Opposition could field its candidate to oppose him.
Musharraf was confident to get re-elected as the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Q, (PML-Q) has enough majority in the National and three of the four provincial assemblies, which comprises the electoral college for Presidential election.
— PTI
