The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) has announced that it would strongly block President Musharraf's re-election, no matter whether he contests polls in uniform or relinquishes the post of Army chief. A crucial meeting of the alliance was held here on Monday to chalk out course of action vis-à-vis presidential elections.
Talking to reporters, its President, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, and Secretary-General Fazlur Rehman said that the alliance would never lend any support to President Musharraf for getting re-elected for another five-year term. When asked, Qazi said they have decided not to hold talks with the present regime. Instead of any individual, he said, the alliance would interact with the rulers only if it were 'inevitable'.
Responding to a question, he said that President Musharraf was not acceptable to them whether he relinquishes the post of military chief or announces to contest presidential elections in uniform. "Not at all... Musharraf is not acceptable to us in any way," he said in reply to a query.
About joining the lawyers' protest movement against President Musharraf's re-election, he said that though the decision was not made at party level, but they would surely join the legal fraternity to strengthen its struggle. He briefed media persons that MMA had also decided to welcome Nawaz Sharif on his return t next Monday.
Meanwhile, Fazlur Rehman told reporters that the alliance reaffirmed its resolve not to bail out President Musharraf to prolong his military rule. Many political analysts say the religio-political alliance's refusal coupled with failure of PPP-government ongoing talks would further intensify the political brouhaha.
Talking to reporters, Fazl said MMA would put up a strong show in presidential election. Moreover, he said, the general council of the six-party alliance would soon meet to finalise its manifesto for coming general elections as well. Commenting on Musharraf-Benazir deal, he said there was no space left for PPP chairperson in All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM).