Musharraf is at a point where he will now have to take some steps that wont be appreciated by many. Whichever way he goes he’d meet some form of opposition. There has to be a decision on the ‘wardi’. And there has to be a tactful decision regarding his presidency. He has a number of options, among which one is to get reelected before the parliamentary elections.
http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\05\06\story_6-5-2006_pg1_9
Re: Musharraf’s re-election
Simple solution for him..he should resign as president and recontest as per the constitution..he'll probably have to hold on to his uniform otherwise his lota league won't back him or one of his subordinates might decide they want to become COAS/President a la Yahya Khan.
Re: Musharraf’s re-election
Just look around the globe and u will find anti-US political parties gaining leverage. Latin America is going thru a leftist renaissance, Muslim world is experiencing political Islam (Hamas, brotherhood, Mma), RUssia is flexing muscles in Europe and China's has started to spread its new found wealth. In this environment, Us policy makers have realsied Mush days are numbered and have started to push for the age old "democracy" formula. Now, El Preszidentae (Mush) has to decide how he leaves, on his two feet or horizontal? Whatever the case, Pakistan has had six years of relative prosperity politically and economically speaking, its time we tightened our seat belts cause the next cycle is going to be another roller coaster ride in the form of political unrest, new alliances being formed, new facades erected and general population served with another saviour. Who cud that be? Maybe a man in uniform or a politician wearing kameez shalwar, but one thing seems certain, its time for political change.
Re: Musharraf’s re-election
Agree it is time for change and it looks that Musharraf has started to realize that he do not hold the so called popularity (US support) any more and he has to bid farewell to his dictatorship. Good if he do it with dignity n self respect otherwise new CIA cheif will have another project on hand
Re: Musharraf’s re-election
He should resign from the army and fight the election as a civilian, otherwise his fate could very well be that of Zia. The lotas he has surrounded himself with, will not bail him out.
Re: Musharraf’s re-election
The only practical option is to let go of his 'wardi' and join mainframe politics. But the face remains the same that the so called continuity is mostly due to his wardi. And as much as I admire him for his vision and qualities, I realize that he hasnt made an impact on rural minds as much he has on urban minds.
I wish he could rule till we have a suitable replacement but I am afraid we are in for another seasaw between bibi and mian saab. Political unrest might never stop .
Re: Musharraf’s re-election
Musharraf will be re-elected (for an extended term) by the present assemblies 60 days before the expiration of his term i.e. in mid-September 2007. Additionally, he will be re-confirmed in a vote of confidence 30 days after the new assemblies are elected i.e. in mid-March 2008.
He is expected to remove his "wardi" sometime in the six-month period outlined above, and in his capacity as "Supreme Command of the Armed Forces" assume direct command of the Karachi and Rawalpindi Corps of the Pakistan Army.
The first part has been all agreed with major sections of the opposition (PPP, JUI and others) and the ruling coalition, while the minutiae of the second is still being discussed.
Re: Musharraf’s re-election
I wish he could rule till we have a suitable replacement but I am afraid we are in for another seasaw between bibi and mian saab. Political unrest might never stop .
theres too much rish involved in that for him,he cud be back stabbed by the army and would have much lesser power than he has now.
but we shud remember that U.S. made it clear they want him to do that by the next election.if he doesnt do that,im sure there would be consequences,and the economy cud suffern,which in itself would harm the country.
Re: Musharraf’s re-election
Bizarrely the situation could call for a unique solution which Ayub Khan had used. Circumstances could easily make it an obvious choice for him. Of course it wont be the best or a long lasting solution.
It sure is a tricky situation for him and for the whole country, but the day he loses the khaki, he'd be in shalwar kameez like the rest of them and would be no match for the old wolves in their own arena, his only authority over them; his COAS baton will no longer be with him and the professional politicians he's surrounded by today will simply feel no obligation to support him. I dont think Musharraf can have a political role in Pakistan without his wardi. The awaam is still not strong/responsible/aware enough to be trusted with the task of electing him while the feudals still rule over them, the old players of politics still influence their reasoning with emotions etc. And Pakistan cant afford Musharraf's complete exit/retirement at the moment either...