Musharraf moves to tighten grip on power

The Times (U.K.) ^ | 06/28/2002 | Zahid Hussain

[Pokey78]

PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF faced a barrage of criticism from Pakistan’s political parties yesterday after he announced plans to take on sweeping new powers.

His critics said that the radical redrafting of Pakistan’s constitution would create a “shadow military state in the garb of democracy”.

The amendments would allow the President to dismiss an elected Prime Minister, his Cabinet and the parliament to be chosen in elections later this year. The President would also have the authority to name a person of his choice as Prime Minister.

A National Security Council dominated by representatives of the armed forces would be created with overriding powers over the elected Parliament. The President plans to continue as Chief of Army Staff. He also plans to shorten the term of the parliament from five to four years and lower the voting age to 18.

Most political observers agree that the moves would make General Musharraf, who has already declared himself President for another five-year term through a controversial referendum, an all-powerful leader, preventing the return of the country to a true democracy.

The establishment of a National Security Council also raises a serious concern over the continuing domination of the military after the elections this October.

Farhatullah Babar, of the Pakistan People’s Party, which is led by Benazir Bhutto, a former Prime Minister, said: “It is a measure of the arrogant mindset of the generals who seek to impose a constitutional structure through an executive fiat. It will be a perpetuation of a military rule.”

General Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup nearly three years ago, is bound by a Supreme Court ruling to hold parliamentary elections by October and transfer power to an elected government. He promised to abide by the court order but said that democracy could be restored only after the changes in the constitution were made. “The changes are meant to ensure unity of command and a sustainable democracy,” he said. Anwer Mahmood, the Federal Secretary for Information, said that the draft proposal was being presented for a national debate and a final decision on the constitutional amendments would be taken by the Cabinet next month.

Almost all political parties and human rights groups have rejected the proposed changes, saying that they would change the basic structure of the constitution. “It is part of an effort to make the parliament subservient to the will of a military ruler,” said Siddiqul Farooq, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League, which is led by Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted as Prime Minister by General Musharraf.

Liaqat Baloch, secretary-general of the right-wing Jamaat-i-Islami, said: “An army ruler does not have a right to change the constitution. He is trying to change the federal character of the state.”

Both Miss Bhutto and Mr Sharif, who are living in exile abroad, will be affected by a new law that bars anyone facing corruption charges from contesting elections. Miss Bhutto has vowed to return before the polls to challenge the military government.

General Musharraf’s latest move has united liberal and right-wing Islamic parties in their opposition to his rule. An alliance of five major Islamic parties has vowed to overthrow his Government, accusing him of “working on an American agenda”.

A 15-party Alliance for Restoration of Democracy said that it would decide at the end of this week about its plan to launch a nationwide anti-government protest.

[speekinout]

accusing him of “working on an American agenda”.

He does seem to be doing that. But I also think he intends to move Pakistan toward democracy eventually. Maybe it's wishful thinking on my part, but we are better off with him than without him at this particular time.