ISLAMABAD — Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf yesterday promised national elections and a return to democracy in October 2002, the third anniversary of the bloodless coup that brought him to power.
In speeches marking the 54th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence, the military ruler said elections for two houses of parliament and provincial assemblies would take place from Oct. 1 to 11, 2002.
Previously he has said national political parties could participate, but he made no mention of the subject yesterday. He said the actual transfer of power to a civilian set-up — in which he will remain president — would be completed between October and November next year.
Musharraf, who seized power Oct. 12, 1999 and added the position of president to his title of chief executive in June, has moved methodically toward presenting his “roadmap” for a return to elected government, ignoring international pressure for an earlier restoration of parliament.
He made it clear, however, he did not want a return to the chaotic elected governments of the 1990s, saying the country’s greatest threat came not from traditional foe India but from internal problems.
Musharraf said he also planned to amend the country’s suspended constitution to introduce “checks and balances” by the end of June next year. He said the changes would be made after a public debate on his proposals, which he did not specify. He is expected to give the presidency, now a figurehead position, key powers now held by the prime minister.
He also announced an immediate ban on two rival militant groups — Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Muhammad — that are often blamed by authorities for sectarian violence in Pakistan.
The general’s announcement evoked guarded criticism from the Pakistan People’s Party of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. A statement said the PPP was awaiting details of the election process and would “keenly watch and monitor progress in the matter”, but was concerned about Musharraf’s plans to amend the constitution by decree.
The Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy, a grouping of parties that want early elections, said it would meet tomorrow to discuss its response. Qazi Hussain Ahmad, leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, also opposed Musharraf’s plans to amend the constitution.
