VOA News

Polls have closed in Pakistan and vote counting is underway in a national referendum to decide whether to extend the rule of President Pervez Musharraf for five more years. 

Voters cast ballots at 87,000 polling stations across the country Tuesday under tight security. 

There were no reports of significant violence, despite calls from some opposition parties and hardline Islamic groups for a voter boycott. The turnout was reported heavy in the capital, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi - the headquarters of Pakistan's military. Voting in the southern port city of Karachi was reported light. 

Analysts have predicted that General Musharraf, a strong U.S. ally in the war on terrorism, will easily win the referendum. 

The general says he needs additional time to implement reforms, fight corruption and guide the country away from political extremism. 

Despite hardline opposition to the referendum, leading business groups, scores of trade unions and some political parties have expressed support for General Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999. He declared himself president last year, and has promised to hold parliamentary elections. 

Saturday, Pakistan's Supreme Court ruled that the referendum is legal. The opposition had argued the constitution requires that the president be elected by national and provincial lawmakers. 

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version