Yesterday, Pakistan's Election Commission scheduled presidential elections for October 6. Nominations must close on September 27. On October 1, the lists of candidates will be published by the election commission. The possibility of current President General Pervez Musharraf participating in the elections is being decided by the Supreme Court. The opposition disputes the legality of Musharraf combining the duties of president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The general came to power in a bloodless military coup in 1999. Recently, Musharraf's representatives announced that he would leave the post of commander-in-chief if he is re-elected president for another five-year term. The resignation of the deputy commander-in-chief and the appointment of his successor, who would replace Musharraf if he becomes a civilian after re-election as president, are scheduled for October 7.
If the court denies Musharraf the right to re-election as President of Pakistan, the head of state's response could be to declare a state of emergency. According to the constitution, the president is elected by both houses of parliament and provincial legislatures. The opposition demands the election of a president by a new set of legislators. Musharraf's mandate and the current parliament's term will expire on November 15.
