DATE=3/23/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAK / ELECTIONS (L)
NUMBER=2-260507
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Pakistan's military leader has called for local
elections and a restructuring of the country's regional
political setup. As correspondent Scott Anger reports, the
announcement comes two days before President Clinton's
visit to Pakistan, where he is expected to press the
military government to set a time for general elections.
TEXT: In what is being seen as a first step toward
restoring civilian rule, Pakistan's military ruler, General
Pervez Musharraf, has announced sweeping changes in the
political structure of the country.
General Musharraf says the first round of local elections
will be held between December and May 2001, but he refused
to set a time frame for general elections in the country.
/// MUSHARRAF Act ///
What I'm dealing with today and what we have
finalized now, is the lowest tier of democracy.
Indeed, democracy starts from here. We will move
upwards to provincial and national levels in due
course of time.
/// END ACT ///
After overthrowing Pakistan's elected government in a
bloodless coup last October, the general pledged to clean
up the country's corrupt political system before restoring
democratic rule. He has called the government of former
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif a "sham democracy" and has
blamed Mr. Sharif for crippling institutions and alienating
smaller provinces.
General Musharraf has pledged to give a greater voice to
the villages. His restructuring plan also allocates
district council seats to women and minorities.
U-S officials say President Clinton, who arrives in
Pakistan Saturday, will urge the military rulers to
announce a plan for national elections. (Signed)
NEB/SA/KL
23-Mar-2000 09:07 AM EDT (23-Mar-2000 1407 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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