Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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September 28, 2007

Pakistan Supreme Court Rules in Favor of President's Re-Election Bid
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=19A945A:A6F02AD83191E160F72717D822BEF8C59574F7DCC14957C0 In 6-3 decision,
judicial panel throws out several legal challenges to General Pervez
Musharraf's plan to seek another five-year term





Gen. Pervez Musharraf (file photo)Pakistan's Supreme Court has
dismissed legal challenges to President Pervez Musharraf's bid for a
new term, allowing the military leader to run in next week's election
while retaining his role as army chief.

In a six-to-three decision Friday, a judicial panel threw out several
legal challenges to General Musharraf's plan for another five-year
term. The head of the panel, Rana Bhagwandas, said the court found the
petitions "not maintainable."

Lawyers for the opposition say they will appeal.

Anti-government lawyers and opposition supporters outside the court
shouted their disapproval after the decision was announced.

General Musharraf officially has registered to run in the October 6
presidential ballot.

The Supreme Court earlier Friday ordered senior Pakistani officials to
explain why former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was deported when he
tried to return to Pakistan from exile September 10. An August court
decision said Mr. Sharif had an inalienable right to return.

On Thursday, an alliance of opposition parties, the All Parties
Democratic Movement, led by Mr. Sharif's party said it will resign
from parliament to protest the president's re-election bid.

The resignations will not derail the vote held by the parliament and
provincial assemblies, where General Musharraf holds a majority. But
the move could be perceived as hurting the election's credibility.

President Musharraf has said he will stand down as army chief if he
wins another term in office - but he plans to remain in the post if
not. Some information for this report was provided by AFP.




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