Maqbool Quarashi is partly correct--elections in post-1971 Pakistan have never been valid.

As far as Pakistan following South Korea or Taiwan--they had that chance in 1970/1971 and blew it, splitting the nation, permanently.

Sadhasiv, Washington DC, USA

Response to Abbas, Bradford, UK

While you "strongly recommend Musharraf keep his hand steady in " your post says nothing about the responsibility Musharraf bares for the whole situation Pakistan is in at this time.

the removal of the CJ of the Pak SC and the draconian and unconstitutional steps his regime have taken since then to hold on to power is the root casue of this political mess.

Just by blaming two of the most populists opposition parties is a terrible excuse for the general and his 'stooge' party to ruin the Pakistan nation.

abrar, Ontario,

Dear sir,
I think the election commission is right to delay the election date as the most records of the electrorals have been destroyed under the guidance of main political party leaders violence who are claiming they love their country [PAKITAN].To me they are greedy and selfish people who look after their own personel interests and not Pakistan. Look in their past what they have done to Pakistan.The country was nearly bankrupt when opposition leaders left the country. The leaders called themself educated and civilised, but their actions are uncivilised and illitrate. They are claiming that they will bring democracy in the country,when there is no democracy in their own parties how they can bring democracy in the country[Pakistan]. They should be ashamed of themself and their behavior. Anyway we are in favour of delaying the election till the situation in Pakistan is stabilised.
ALLAH bless our PAKISTAN.

mohammed kiani, watford,herts,, United kingdom

As long as the poltical parties are dominated by feudal lords, elections are nothing but a show to satisfy the West. The last elections, insisted by Mr. Bush, resulted in extremists' control of the lagislature in NWFP and Baluchistan. The militants have been very successful in portraying the West in general and US in particular to be the enemy of Muslims. Pakistan should follow the examples of South Korea and the Taiwan. They were ruled by dictators for few decades before democracy took roots. The prevailing chaos is the result of constant interferance from the West and will not go away unless we let them resolve their political problems

Maqbool Qurashi, Leesburg, Florida, USA

The PPP led by Mr 10% is desparate to have voting as soon as possible to ride the tail coats of sympathy votes following Bhutto's death. With motto's such as 'Democracy is the best revenge', one wonders what kind of revenge they are plotting if they get into power. Plunder the country and send it to further down the path of failed Statedom? Have they not torched enough hospitals, banks and other property?
On the other hand Nawaz Sharif, sponsored by the Saudi's back tracks, hypocrits and threatens violence regards dates of elections and their validity.
There is more drama in Pakistan than a dozen soaps combined. If lives were not at stake it would be comical.
I strongly recommend Musharraf keep his hand steady in the face of so much chaos bought about by the opposition parties.

Abbas, Bradford, UK

It will be better, if Musharraf has time and therefore possibility to lay down a control inside the state. I don`t think that international society is in need of such votation which in present circumstances will lead to the victory of religious radicals. The Pakistani nuclear weapon in their hands will be the start of the end of temporary civilization. I support millitary dictatorship than fanatic anarchy in Pakistan.

Dmitriy, Moscow, Russia

It was expected. If elections were to be held, it would certainly help PPP due to sympathy factor. It appears that Gen Musharraf is determined to deny the advantage to PPP.

"The postponement is likely to cause alarm in America and other Western countries. The elections are perceived as a key step in the country’s transition to democracy."

The US and Western countries hope for democracy proves that they are totally out of touch with the reality and history of Pakistan's march to democracy!
Regards,

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India