Musharraf:
I Will Stay in Power to Ensure Democracy
Musharraf came to power in 1999 after overthrowing an elected government
By
Asif Farooqi, IOL Pakistan correspondent
ISLAMABAD,
October 10 (IslamOnline) - Addressing the nation on the eve of the first
general elections since military rule was imposed in Pakistan three
years ago, President General Pervez Musharraf vowed to continue as the
president to ensure stability in the future government and to keep a
check and balance system in place “to ensure smooth sailing of
democracy”.
In
his last address to mark the end to his three year military rule,
General Musharraf, who overthrew an elected government in a military
coup in 1999, said on Wednesday evening, October 9, that he will stay on
as president to ensure that the constitution and other reforms and
policies introduced by his government remain in place and that the check
and balance system introduced by his government through constitutional
amendments is not altered.
He
said he wished the new government which will come into being this week,
a long and stable term.
This
statement by the president is in direct conflict to the election
manifestos of some of the mainstream political parties who have promised
to reverse all the constitutional amendments incorporated in the last
three years.
The
president’s speech also consolidates the views that a pro-reform party
Pakistan Muslim League (Q) is likely to form a coalition government with
other smaller groups.
72
million voters, who form half of the total population, go to polls
Thursday to elect a democratic government to end a three year military
rule.
But
majority of Pakistanis are skeptical regarding the smooth running of the
future democratic government in the presence of General Musharraf who
will continue as the President and the army chief..
