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Muhammad Najeeb in Islamabad
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is likely to announce a schedule for elections to the national and provincial assemblies on August 14, the country's Independence Day, a senior government official said.
The official said Musharraf is holding marathon meetings with close aides and constitutional experts to draw up a clear and final roadmap for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
"The president is firm about holding general elections according to the schedule given by the Supreme Court."
The apex court had ordered the military government to return to democracy before October 12, 2002.
Since Musharraf came to power after overthrowing the democratically elected government of prime minister Nawaz Sharif, he has, on several occasions, assured the masses that Pakistan would return to democracy before October 2002.
Another official said, "Discussions are going on. If the plan is finalised in a couple of days, the president would make the announcement on August 14. Otherwise, it would be delayed for some time."
He said Musharraf's team has completed most of the paper work. The government may hold general elections in three or four phases instead of holding it on one day.
Musharraf's decision to announce elections 15 months in advance of the court deadline is being seen by analysts as his wish to make clear at the United Nations General Assembly session that he is committed to restoring democracy.
They feel that Musharraf's decision would be taken well by the world community.
Indo-Asian News Service
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