As predicted the elections in Pakistan will be delayed by one month following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. There have been threats of street protests if the vote is not held next week on the original January 8.
The
Election Commission though has agreed to the new date. The actual set date has not been announced but it was said that the election will not take place before the second week of February. The exact schedule will be announced on Wednesday.
The opposition parties have accused the Pakistani government of delaying the elections to avoid their defeat. They also said that they fear there will be violence because of the delay in a country struggling to deal with the death of Bhutto.
Many believe that Bhutto's party will get the sympathy vote if the election were to take place on the scheduled day. Bhutto had accused party elements prior to her death of plotting to kill her. That charge has been denied.
"We reject this delay outright," said Sen. Babar Awan from Bhutto's party, the most powerful opposition group. "(President Pervez) Musharraf fears outright defeat. If this election process is jeopardized, they (our followers) may protest again and there is a chance of riots."
In the days that have followed the former Prime Minister's death violent riots have taken to the streets of Pakistan. At least 58 people have died and millions of dollars in damage has been reported. An official said that it would take at least a month to make arrangements for free and fair elections after damage to offices in the Sindh province. Another consideration to the election is the holy month of Muharram from January 10 to February 8. Security can not be guaranteed during this time according to the government. Sectarian violence is a common occurrence during the month between the Shiite and Sunni Muslims.
Pakistan Elections Pushed Back At Least A Month
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