World | Pakistan
Pakistan elections: Questions and answers
With the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Q) losing badly in the general elections, the focus has turned to the future of President Pervez Musharraf.
- By: Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
- Published: 00:53 February 20, 2008
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Musharraf opponents may form coalition
Musharraf opponents may form coalition
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Observers see tough time for Musharraf
Observers see tough time for Musharraf
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Expats in UAE hail opposition parties' victory
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Coalition government likely
Coalition government likely
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US senators say election was credible
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With the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Q) losing badly in the general elections, the focus has turned to the future of President Pervez Musharraf.
Animated debates have been going on about the options available to Musharraf to hang on as head of state, especially since several stalwarts closely allied to him have stumbled at the hustings. We try to find some answers.
What power does Musharraf still enjoy while opposition parties are set to form the government?
President Musharraf will remain quite strong in his seat because he has the power to dissolve assemblies under the power vested in him through Article 58-2B of the Constitution of Pakistan. This article continues to be a sword hanging over elected legislatures. Presidents in the past had used it to dissolve the governments of Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto.
Can the President veto any decisions by the new government?
Yes, to some extent, because any law approved in the National Assembly and then Senate (Upper House) is sent to the president for final approval and he can send it back to parliament for debate, citing objections. However, he cannot outright reject a Bill that has been approved by parliament.
Can the new government impeach the president and what would it need to do?
Yes, the National Assembly can impeach the president, but the government needs to enjoy at least a two-thirds majority in the House. Such a move is normally very difficult, especially since the President has the power to dissolve the assembly. He can act before he is impeached. The government first has to eliminate the president's power to dissolve assemblies through a majority vote to render his proactive powers ineffective. An impeachment initiative taken without correcting this disadvantage can, otherwise, spark a fresh political crisis.
Is the PML-Q run by Musharraf?
Yes, it is the party which was created by President Musharraf by bringing together his allies.
Will the army still be a major influence in Pakistan politics
The army normally does not play any role during the tenure of elected governments, but President Musharraf has formed the National Security Council, with the heads of the three armed forces as its members. This enables the army to influence political decisions to some extent.
What next?
Despite the fact that Benazir Bhutto's PPP has won the largest number of seats, followed by Nawaz Sharif's PML-N, it is difficult for both the parties to form the government independently. They have to either join hands or, in the worst-case scenario, try to forge an alliance with other parties.
President Musharraf could be on his way out before completing his tenure if the PPP and the PML-N strike an alliance to form the government. There is also the possibility that President Musharraf might resign to avoid any further damage to his reputation, realising that people have voted out all his allies.
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