IHT : Supporters of Musharraf claim victory in Pakistan

Supporters of Musharraf claim victory in Pakistan

The Associated Press | October 6, 2007

ISLAMABAD: Governing-party lawmakers claimed victory for President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan on Saturday as voting ended in the election, but the Supreme Court could still disqualify the military leader.

The election by federal and provincial lawmakers was a one-sided affair. Opposition parties abstained or boycotted to protest Musharraf's running for a new five-year term while still army chief.

Only a handful of the government's opponents turned out to vote.

"He will be elected with a vast majority," Privatization Minister Wasi Zafar said. "God willing we will enter full democracy."

State television reported at least 691 lawmakers, virtually all from the governing coalition, cast votes at a joint session of the National Assembly and Senate in the capital, Islamabad, and at the four provincial assemblies. Musharraf's main rival candidate was a retired judge offering token opposition.

Pakistan Television reported unofficial results from the ballot count that Musharraf had won unanimously in Baluchistan province with 33 votes, and polled 31 of the 34 ballots cast in North West Frontier Province. In Punjab, Musharraf won 253 of the 257 votes cast, it said.

Deputy Information Minister Tariq Azim said unofficial results would be known later in the day.

The Supreme Court ruled Friday that the official results can only be declared after it rules on petitions lodged by Musharraf's opponents that his candidacy is unconstitutional.

Hearings will resume on those petitions on Oct. 17, meaning even if Musharraf wins he would have to wait at least 11 days before knowing whether he could take office.

His current presidential term expires Nov. 15.