The Election Commission (EC) on Monday said that five candidates were running for the office of the President, after withdrawal of nomination papers by National Assembly Speaker Amir Hussain, covering candidate for General Pervez Musharraf.
Those who are in the race include General Pervez Musharraf, Mrs Faryal Talpur, Amin Fahim, and Wajhiuddin Ahmed. Still keeping Senate Chairman Muhammadmian Soomro as presidential candidate, some say, shows that Musharraf feels danger to his candidature despite being permitted by the Election Commission and cleared by larger bench of the Supreme Court to contest election in uniform.
Talking to newsmen, Election Commission Secretary Muhammad Dilshad said that after finalisation of the list the EC would make other arrangements, such as printing of ballot papers, for the October 6 presidential election.
In reply to a question about final list of voters, in case of resignations by All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM), he said that the final list of parliamentarian, in case of resignations would be released on October 4.
NA Speaker Amir Hussain, who visited EC to withdraw his nomination, said that his decision on resignations would be in conformity with the Constitution and law. He said that the National Assembly session may be convened on October 4. Political analyst believe that PPP would also quit parliament if President Musharraf goes ahead to contest election in uniform. General Musharraf would be the first one who is all set to contest this sixth presidential poll while holding the post of military chief.
The APDM sans PPP has already announced to quit the assemblies on October 2 to block General Musharraf's bid seeking re-election for another term. Meanwhile a statement by EC Secretary said that Monday was the date of withdrawal of candidature whose nominations were accepted on September 29.
He said that National Assembly Speaker had withdrawn his candidature by personally submitting a notice of withdrawal to the Chief Election Commissioner at 11:55 am.
Accordingly, the list of following validly nominated candidates for election to the office of the president has been published by the CEC in the official gazette: General Pervez Musharaf, Mrs Faryal Talpur, Mohammedmian Soomro , Makhdoom Mohammad Amin Faheem and Wajihuddin Ahmed, statement concluded.