Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Elections Set In Pakistan For January 8
By Barry Newhouse
Islamabad
Elections Set in Pakistan for January 8
Pakistan's election commission has formally announced that parliamentary elections will take place January 8. VOA's Barry Newhouse reports from Islamabad that the commission is moving forward with President Pervez Musharraf's preferred timetable despite criticism that the election process is deeply flawed.
Pakistan's Chief Election Commissioner, Qazi Muhammad Farooq, announced on state television that political parties could begin submitting nominations Wednesday for the January 8 elections.
He says he wants to assure Pakistanis that the elections will be held in a peaceful, fair and transparent environment, in accordance with the laws of the country.
Opposition leaders swiftly denounced the timetable, saying the commission and the caretaker government charged with overseeing the elections are biased.
Prominent opposition activist and former cricket star Imran Khan meanwhile began a hunger strike while in detention Monday to protest emergency rule. General Musharraf left Pakistan Tuesday for two days of talks with officials in Saudi Arabia.
ENDS
More: Latest World News | Top World News | World Digest | Archives
Patrick Decloitre, RNZ: Alcide Ponga is New Caledonia’s new president
Jimmy Videle, IMI: Guide To Preserving Sacred Land Near You
World Economic Forum: Future Of Jobs Report 2025 - 78 Million New Job Opportunities By 2030 But Urgent Upskilling Needed To Prepare Workforces
Pasifika Medical Association: PACMAT Continues Efforts In Vanuatu Earthquake Response
Global Jews for Palestine: Call From Jewish Groups Across The Globe: Tell Your Political Representatives Now- UNRWA Is Urgent
Save The Children: GAZA - New Year Begins With More Children Killed By Israeli Airstrikes