New election date set in Pakistan

Published time: 2 Jan, 2008 13:22 Edited time: 2 Jan, 2008 16:22

Pakistan's Election Commission has postponed the country's parliamentary election until February 18. The vote had originally been scheduled for January 8. According to the Commission, the delay is due to the turmoil sparked by the assassination of opposit

Bhutto's killing last Thursday sparked bloodshed in which nearly 60 people were killed when riots erupted and many polling offices in Bhutto's home province were stormed and burnt by her supporters.

Following the riots President Pervez made a speech, which was scrutinized by RT analyst Evgeny Khrushchev.

“Most important in his speech was Musharraf's call to unity of the Pakistani nation. That was rather unexpected, as most of the analysts were expecting the same rhetoric about the threat from terrorists. Instead he made the right move in the right direction. In a way he intercepted the initiative from the opposition parties, calling to unity. Now to oppose Musharraf means to oppose his newly openly stated agenda,” Khrushchev commented.

Earlier Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party said they believed the authorities were postponing the polls to help the ruling group, allied to President Musharraf, come out on top.

The party, however, said they are set to contest the vote despite the six-week delay.

Pakistan is a nuclear power and a crucial ally of the United States in the war on terror.

Bhutto's murder has fuelled existing doubts about the stability of the country, and prospects for its transition to democratic rule.