ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, May 19 (UPI) -- Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf has hinted he could be elected to a second term before the general elections in 2008.
Musharraf, who grabbed power in a military coup six years ago, seems to be paving the way for his re-election by parliament and provincial assemblies he can rely upon rather than risk a new parliament when his popularity is declining, The Hindu newspaper reported Friday.
The president did not say whether he would give up the post of army chief, which is the source of most of his power. Musharraf enjoys majority support in the current parliament, which he announced would be dissolved in November 2007 after completing its term.
"A debate has been going on over whether the president could get another five years in power from the outgoing assemblies," said a senior Pakistani leader. Musharraf has said that under the terms of constitution he should seek re-election up to two months before his term ends.
If Musharraf is elected to a second term before the general elections of 2008, his mandate would come from parliament and the provincial assemblies, not the Pakistani people. His consideration of such a step has sparked comments about his popularity in the country.
"Seeking a re-election from the present assemblies could be seen as a sign of weakness, coming on the heels of moves by mainstream opposition parties to strengthen alliances ahead of the polls," said an unidentified senior opposition politician.
"His plan is to get re-elected from the existing parliament, as nobody could assume at this point of time what will be composition of new parliament," said a senior opposition leader.
