Pakistan prepares to vote

Opposition leaders have called for a boycott

By Susannah Price BBC correspondent in Islamabad

Last-minute preparations are underway throughout Pakistan ahead of Tuesday's referendum on whether President Pervez Musharraf should be allowed to stay in power for another five years.

The Election Commission say preparations are proceeding smoothly, and the ballot boxes are already in place.

This will be the first time a vote has been held without declaring a public holiday,

Nearly 90,000 polling stations have been set up - including inside factories and other workplaces, and at markets.

It is estimated that about 70m Pakistanis are eligible to vote.

Voting concerns

However, there are no voter lists or constituencies, and anyone who can prove their identity and age can go to any polling station.

President Musharraf: Little doubt he will win

Critics say those who want to vote more than once will find it easy to remove the ink mark stamped on those who have cast their ballot.

However, the authorities said that drawing up voter lists would have delayed proceedings, and they believe the method is transparent.

There appears to be little doubt that President Musharraf, who has been holding public rallies around the country, will win.

Boycott call

Opposition parties say the referendum contravenes the constitution, and the president should be chosen after October's elections by the assembly and the senate.

They have called for a boycott.

Observers say the level of support for President Musharraf, who took power in a coup two and a half years ago, will be measured by the turnout.

His Information Minister, Nisar Memon, said they would be happy if a quarter of those eligible voted.

In the last referendum held by the military ruler General Zia, it was estimated that the turnout was less than 10% percent, although the official figure was much higher.

Mr Memon said they felt confident there was overwhelming support for president Musharraf, and there would be a massive "Yes" vote.