Musharraf calls for free & fair elections

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-15-2008 09:41

Pakistan's president has promised that next week's parliamentary elections will be free, fair and held on time.

Pervez Musharraf made the pledge on Thursday as political parties campaign for the election of national and provincial assemblies.(CCTV.com)

Pervez Musharraf made the pledge on Thursday as political parties campaign for the election of national and provincial assemblies.

Pervez Musharraf says Monday's vote is a crucial step in the country's transition to democratic rule. He promises this vote will be free, fair, transparent and peaceful.

Pervez Musharraf, Pakistani president, said, "To be fair, that is our responsibility, the government's responsibility and the Election Commission's responsibility. To be peaceful, it is the nation's responsibility and of course, the police and the civil armed forces and the backup from the army. We will ensure peaceful conduct."

Musharraf vows to deal sternly with anyone who tries to disrupt the electoral process.

He also questions the accuracy of opinion polls that say support for his ruling party is at an all-time low.

Pervez Musharraf, Pakistani president, said, "I would like to say to all these foreign organizations especially, those who are conducting all these surveys: don't disturb the peace of this country, don't disturb the peace of this region."

Despite the intensified violence, campaigning is well underway in the run up to Monday's elections.

Supporters are gathering in main cities campaigning for three main parties: Pakistan Muslim League - Quaid, which supports Musharraf, Pakistan People's Party led by Benazir Bhutto's husband, Asif Ali Zardari, and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz faction.

Pakistan's general elections will be a tight race mainly between the top three parties.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei