Musharraf to unveil poll timetable

General Musharraf made himself president in June

By Susannah Price in Islamabad

Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, is expected to announce a timetable for the restoration of democracy during his Independence Day speech on Tuesday.

General Musharraf, who made himself president in June, has already said he will abide by a Supreme Court ruling to hold nationwide elections by October 2002.

While General Musharraf has said he will bring back democracy to Pakistan, he has so far refused to be drawn on the timetable, despite demands from the international community.

However, it now seems he will announce what is being widely referred to as a road map during his speech on Independence Day.

A government spokesman said General Musharraf would announce the months of the elections but not the actual dates.

It is not known if the polls for the provincial and national assemblies, which have all been dissolved, will be held together or in phases.

Local elections

General Musharraf took power in a coup in October 1999 and he has said he will hold elections within three years of that date in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling.

Local elections have been held in stages throughout this year.

General Musharraf is due to make his announcement when he addresses nearly 200 newly elected heads and deputy heads of the local councils.

The announcement of any timetable will please the international community.

While it is unlikely to go far enough to ease the sanctions imposed by the United States after the coup, it will undoubtedly improve relations with other countries.