Petition against Musharraf dismissed

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-23-2007 08:17

Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf speaks to the media in Ankara, Turkey, in this Feb. 6, 2007 file photo.  (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici, File)

Pakistan's Supreme Court has cleared the way for Pervez Musharraf to rule as a civilian president.

This rules against a final challenge that blocks the ratification of last month's re-election of Musharraf. But some opposition parties are considering boycotting upcoming parliamentary elections.

Pakistan's Supreme Court has dismissed the last petition against Musharraf's victory in the presidential election in October, and has paved the way for him to quit as army chief.

The court decision means the Election Commission can now put a stamp of approval on Musharraf's re-election.

Mushaaraf is expected to resign as army chief and take the presidential oath of office by the weekend.

Pakistan's opposition parties regard the decision by the revamped court with contempt, but appear split on whether to boycott parliamentary elections on January the 8th.

The People's Party led by former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says Musharraf will have to reconstitute the Election Commission and suspend district mayors to ensure a fair ballot.

Pakistani cricket legend Imran Khan (C) is welcomed by party leaders upon his arrival in Islamabad. (AFP/Farooq Naeem)

However, it says the opposition could take weeks to reach an agreement on a boycott and Bhutto says its candidates will file nomination papers "under protest".

Meanwhile, the party of former cricket star Imran Khan has been the first to decide to boycott the election. Khan says he will call on major opposition leaders to stay away from elections under Musharraf. He says elections will be worthless without restoring the judiciary.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei