PML Chief Hussain to be Cover Candidate for President

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September 7, 2007
PML Chief Hussain to be Cover Candidate
for President

Islamabad
Pakistan's ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML) chief Shujaat Hussain has been asked to file his papers for the upcoming presidential elections as a cover candidate for President Pervez Musharraf.

"The PML leaders expressed concern that if Musharraf was not allowed to contest for the slot of president while holding the office of chief of army staff (COAS), the party must have a substitute," Daily Times reported Friday.

"If Shujaat Hussain were elected as president for the next five years...then he would be authorised to extend Musharraf's tenure as COAS (chief of army staff) for the next one to two years," the newspaper added.

According to PML leaders, "at least one office", either that of president or army chief, "must remain with Musharraf till the next general elections, so that the party could maintain its position in the next assemblies".

The Supreme Court is currently hearing a clutch of petitions challenging Musharraf's re-election bid, as also his holding of two offices.

Much also depends on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations with former prime minister Benazir Bhutto on a power-sharing arrangement with Musharraf.

"If the deal was finalised and Musharraf was re-elected as president then the situation would favour the PML in the...general elections. If Musharraf was unable to contest for the presidency, then the office must remain with the Muslim League," a PML leader maintained.

"If the PML could not obtain the required seats to form the government, then at least (a PML) president would be helpful to form a coalition government of likeminded political parties, which could...allow Musharraf to continue as COAS," he added.

Hussain has summoned a meeting of the PML central executive committee on Saturday to seek their opinion on the presidential elections.

IANS | September 7, 2007

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