Pakistan, nominations for January 8th elections begin
Islamabad (AsiaNews) – The election process officially began today in Pakistan, which should bring the nation to polling stations on January 8th, save last minute changes. Moreover the government has invited the international community to participate in the process by monitoring its progress.
The Election Commission (EC) opened offices to accept nomination papers from candidates till November 26. In the interim, the government released thousands of opposition politicians but arrested journalists and activists.
Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Qazi Muhammad Farooq, said International observers are welcome to monitor the election process: “They will be allowed to visit all polling stations”.
Farooq also warned of “strict legal action against anyone preventing women from going to the polling stations”, referring to the tribal areas in the North, where Islamic extremists try to prevent women from voting.
Major opposition parties have rejected the schedule for the general elections, but were still undecided about boycotting the polls. The All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) would announce its decision on participating or boycotting the general elections in the next two days. The same reaction from Benazir Bhutto’s People’s Party.
This indecision derives from the state of emergency declared by Musharraf November 3rd last. Analysts state that if emergency rule is not lifted for the elections then the vote would loose all validity. The government has promised it will lift emergency by mid December to allow for the elections. Despite this soldiers faithful to the general-president (who has “won” his case proving that his October election was not against the constitution) continue to patrol the streets of all major cities ready to quash all protest.
In a raid yesterday the soldiers arrested at least 150 journalists. Some were released this morning but warn that they “are being followed by plain clothes police officers”.
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13/11/2007
15/11/2007
