Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) have hinted at participation in the next year's election even under President Pervez Musharraf.
Sources privy to the meeting between Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in London on Monday told Business Recorder that the PPPP leader presented her party's viewpoint on the future strategy, saying they were inclined to take part in the polls under Musharraf.
She told the PML leader that the boycott option could be politically suicidal for not only both of them but also for their parties, already witnessing 'desertions.'
The exiled PPPP leader recalled how they had suffered by staying away from the elections in 1985 and would not like to repeat that political blunder again.
Sources quoted Benazir Bhutto as telling Nawaz Sharif that PPPP and PML's joint stance on this particular issue would send a positive signal to their respective party leadership and workers.
The former prime minister was of the view that whether or not the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy participated in the electoral process, Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal would be part of it, thus it would be like giving them a walk-over.
Being natural allies of Musharraf, MMA would help him amend the Constitution at will, enjoying a two-thirds majority, in case they decided to boycott the elections, sources said.
On this, Nawaz appeared undecided, but he out rightly did not oppose the idea, and promised to present it before the party's series of meetings, starting next week, sources explained.
However, it was decided that they would avoid issuing statements, suggesting their non-participation in the electoral process unless they meet again after consultations within their respective parties.
Though PML (N) leadership back home is convinced that they should not participate in the polls if Musharraf is around, there is a strong possibility of their going the other way round.
There are visible indications of early elections, some time in April or May if Nawaz also makes up his mind to toe Benazir Bhutto's line, a political analyst anticipated, saying in such a case, MMA would be cut to it size.
A PPPP source claimed that if both parties formally decide to take part in the elections, interim government-from prime minister to chief ministers-will be appointed with their consent.
Moreover, their recommendations, as enshrined in the Charter of Democracy would be more or less taken into consideration with reference to the Election Commission, he added.
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