Musharraf Grants Self Broad Powers
By MUNIR AHMAD
.c The Associated Press
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) - Despite widespread criticism, President Gen. Pervez Musharraf unilaterally amended the Pakistani constitution Wednesday, granting himself sweeping powers - including the right to dissolve parliament - and extending his term in office.
``Pakistan is passing through a very crucial transitional period,'' Musharraf told reporters in announcing his decision to implement the amendments, which were first unveiled in June. ``We are taking Pakistan from democratic dictatorship to elected democracy. I want to introduce a sustainable democratic order.''
Critics, however, claimed the 29 amendments were a blow to the very democracy that Musharraf promised to restore by holding elections Oct. 10 for the national parliament and provincial legislatures.
``We don't believe that an individual or group has the right to amend the constitution,'' said Raza Rabbai of the opposition Pakistan People's Party, led by former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. ``This is the sole prerogative of the parliament.''
Other amendments formalized an additional five years in office for Musharraf that he won in a controversial referendum in April. He also gave the military a formal role in governing the nation for the first time by setting up a National Security Council that would oversee elected rulers - and include military officials.
``Musharraf has grabbed all the power and the next prime minister will be helpless,'' said Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, head of the opposition Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy.
Musharraf seized power on Oct. 12, 1999 in a bloodless coup that toppled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The Supreme Court ruled that the coup was legal but insisted that civilian government be restored within three years. Musharraf called elections for Oct. 10 - two days short of the deadline.
However, Musharraf, like many of his colleagues in the senior ranks of the armed forces, has accused previous elected administrations of failing to govern properly. He has promised to build a ``guided democracy'' in which elected leaders would be held accountable through a series of ``checks and balances'' contained in the amendments.
One of them grants the president the authority to dissolve parliament, a power which the late President Mohammed Zia ul-Haq decreed but which was abolished by Sharif.
Another amendment set up the National Security Council, chaired by the president, to oversee the performance of parliament, the prime minister and his government. The council will also include the leader of the opposition in parliament, the military chief of staff and heads of the army, air force and navy.
That gives the armed forces a formal role for the first time in the ruling of a country that has been under military rule for about half its 55 years of independence.
Musharraf insisted, however, that he would transfer governing powers to the new prime minister who will be chosen by parliament and denied that the military would have a role in governance.
``The National Security Council has absolutely nothing to do with running the country,'' Musharraf said. He said its role would be limited to consultation on strategic issues and matters of national importance.
During his press conference, Musharraf said the next parliament would have the authority to abolish the amendments if opponents can muster the votes. He insisted, however, that they were necessary for stability and accountability in government.
``I have made these amendments in the larger interest of the country,'' Musharraf said. ``I want to see sustainable democracy in Pakistan.''
Critics, however, have accused Musharraf of skillfully using his position as the linchpin of the U.S. war against terrorism in neighboring Afghanistan to shore up his position at home.
After the 1999 coup, Musharraf was shunned by the United States and its Western allies. All that changed when Musharraf abandoned support for the Afghan Taliban and joined the U.S.-led war against terrorism, allowing the Americans to use bases in this country and helping track down Taliban and al-Qaida fugitives who fled here last year.
Pakistani critics and political commentators believe Musharraf can take steps - like the constitutional amendments - to build up his power with little fear of criticism from Washington or other Western capitals.
During his press conference, Musharraf acknowledged opposition to his amendments, especially to the National Security Council.
``The majority of people spoke against it,'' he said of the council. ``Some also spoke in its favor, but honestly, I think this is very important and this will be done.''
Musharraf also made clear that his two potential rivals - Bhutto and Sharif - will not be allowed to run in the elections.
Sharif and 25 members of his family went into exile in Saudi Arabia in December 2000 as a condition for his release from prison. The government has refused to allow Sharif or his brother Shahbaz Sharif to come home and campaign.
Bhutto left the country voluntarily to avoid prosecution for corruption and divides her time between London and the United Arab Emirates. The government has said Bhutto is free to return but will be arrested because she was convicted of corruption in her absence.
08/21/02 17:42 EDT
Copyright 2002 The Associated Press. |
