Musharraf Faces Election

Oct 06, 12:58 AM

Current Headlines: Pakistan's lawmakers prepared Saturday to vote on President Pervez Musharraf's re-election bid, but a win for him may still be in legal limbo for days.

The country's Supreme Court Friday allowed the elections to proceed as scheduled Saturday, but told the election commission not to declare the result until it has ruled on pending legal challenges to Musharraf's eligibility to contest the election, as he is also the country's military chief.

Under the current constitution, the president is elected not by popular vote but by the parliament and the four state assemblies.

The next court hearing is set for Oct. 17, Pakistan's English daily Dawn reported. Attorney General Malik Mohammad Qayyum was quoted as saying only an unofficial result of the Saturday polling would be available. He said Musharraf would keep his army title until the results are officially announced.

Musharraf has said he would relinquish his military post only if re-elected.

The latest legal challenges come after the court rejected earlier petitions against Musharraf's eligibility. The BBC reported Saturday some analysts feel the new ruling is a setback for Musharraf as it might raise more issues about the polling's validity.