Date:10/10/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/10/10/stories/2002101007971200.htm

International

Elect genuine leaders: Musharraf

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD Oct. 9. Hours before the polling booths are thrown open to people to elect their representatives to the National and four provincial Assemblies, the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, exhorted the electorate to choose genuine leaders and not allow a situation under which the "sham democracy" prevalent before the military coup is back.

In a 30-minute speech, telecast and broadcast on all the State-run electronic channels, Gen. Musharraf did not miss an opportunity to take a dig at the two former Prime Ministers, Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto. They figured twice in his address and the message was blunt. If in the perception of people there are only two leaders who could rule, among the 14-crore population, then they deserved nothing better, he said. Attired in military uniform, Gen. Musharraf expressed the hope that tomorrow's general elections would usher in an era of "genuine and sustainable democracy after eleven years of sham democracy".

He said that the culture of politics of hatred and intolerance was the gift of Ms. Bhutto and Mr. Sharif. "I am confident there is no enmity among other leaders and cadres of their parties. They are prepared to co-exist and it would be my endeavour to bring harmony among the newly-elected representatives of various parties."

He assured that the elections would be fair, free and transparent and that he would hand over executive powers to the new Prime Minister and relinquish office of the Chief Executive. Promising unfettered freedom to the new Prime Minister and the Government, Gen. Musharraf said the only thing that he would never allow anyone to compromise with was the "stability, security and integrity" of the country.

Referring to criticism that it was the same old faces in the election fray, Gen. Musharraf said that it was not the duty of the Government but a right of the people of Pakistan to elect their representatives. He urged the people to cast their vote for "honest, dedicated and capable" people.

He stressed the need to create an atmosphere of new political culture in Pakistan based on understanding, harmony and co-existence.