Pak presidential election likely before Sept 20

Pakistans presidential election is likely to be held in the third week of September, the schedule for which will be announced in the first week of that month.

Islamabad, Aug 21 : Pakistan's presidential election is likely to be held in the third week of September, the schedule for which will be announced in the first week of that month.

Under Article 41(4) of the Constitution of Pakistan, the presidential election must be held between September 15 and October 15. But sources said it is "more likely to be held closer to September 15 than October 15."

The Election Commission had previously announced a 26-day schedule for the presidential elections won by Farooq Leghari and Rafique Tarar. "This time it may not be such a lengthy process," the Daily Times quoted sources, as saying.

They added that President Pervez Musharraf could be elected unopposed, as "the opposition parties have not so far agreed to field a joint candidate against the President (Musharraf)... behind-the-scene efforts are underway to have the President re-elected unopposed."

The Chief Election Commissioner will conduct the election by appointing a returning officer and presiding officers to preside over the meeting of members of parliament.

Meanwhile, PML sources have expressed the hope that PPP Parliamentarians would not oppose Musharraf's re-election as part of an "understanding" with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

"But there is nothing final as yet," they added.

ANI