Pakistan opposition seeks poll boycott

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- An alliance of Pakistan opposition parties is urging voters to boycott upcoming elections to press its demand for the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf.

The All Party Democratic Movement is questioning the very premise for the Jan. 8 elections, saying Musharraf was re-elected unconstitutionally, the BBC reported.

The alliance wants Musharraf to resign and Supreme Court judges he dismissed when he imposed emergency rule last month reinstated before the elections are held, the report said.

The two main opposition parties led by former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, however, have opted to take part in the parliamentary polls.

There is concern any boycott of the elections would only help strengthen pro-government parties, the report said.