General election in Pak could be delayed for a yr

The general election in Pakistan could be deferred as the constitution allowed parliament to delay polls for a year.

The general election in Pakistan could be deferred as the constitution allowed parliament to delay polls for a year under a state of emergency, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said.

“As a result of what has happened, there could be some timing differences but no decision has been made,” Aziz said a day after President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency and suspended fundamental rights and political activities.

While pointing out that the steps taken by Musharraf were “extra-constitutional”, he said: “If you look at our constitution, when you have an emergency, the Parliament could give itself more time — up to a year — in terms of holding the next elections.

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“However, at this point no decision has been made and we are deliberating (on the issue),” Aziz told a news conference.

Earlier in the day, Minister of State for Information Tariq Azeem said that all other matters including elections have gone into abeyance. The schedule for the general election due in January might be “adjusted” after the imposition of emergency.

“Elections will be held but the dates may be adjusted because of emergency in the country,” Azeem was quoted as saying by Geo TV. “Nothing is certain at the moment.”

Aziz said a decision on holding elections would be taken after discussions within the ruling PML-Q party and talks with other political parties.

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Pakistan’s national and four provincial assemblies will complete their term on November 15 and a general election was scheduled to be held within 60 days by mid-January.