Apex court’s order to withhold presidential election results

Apex court’s order to withhold presidential election results
Supreme Court’s Friday’s order did not end the uncertainty regarding presidential election and future course of the system in the country. Although the apex court did not stayed the presidential elections but ordered to with hold the results till the verdict on petitions filed challenging the eligibility of Gen Musharraf to run for the office of president.
One day before this short order, the remarks of some judges created a hope that the court might stay the presidential election. But withholding of elections results had created a news situation. The results have been postponed for indefinite period as court will not resume the hearing on the petitions before October 17. People were expecting that the apex court would settle issue of holding dual office by Musharraf once for all. But the SC order has prolonged the wait.
In the new situation different circles had got sufficient time to resolve the political crisis. At this juncture what stand political parties are taking and what Gen Musharraf is offering package to parties.
Till the announcement of results, it will be test of patience for Gen Musharraf; this could also worry the government circles.
However, this order has given sufficient time to political parties, and government to find out reasonable solution of present political crisis, at the same time Supreme Court too has time to hear and consider these sensitive petitions thoroughly and give a acceptable verdict in this sensitive case. -Ibrat October 6

Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi