Musharraf Incites Walkout, Picks Army Successor

86 members of parliament resign to protest Musharraf's military ties
By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 2, 2007 8:51 AM CDT
Musharraf Incites Walkout, Picks Army Successor
Pakistani lawyers hold a protest rally at the Supreme Court to condemn police brutality against lawyers and journalists, Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan's top court ordered three officials suspended Monday over a crackdown that wounded dozens of journalists and lawyers during...   (Associated Press)

Pervez Musharraf named spy chief Ashfaq Pervez Kiani today to replace him as head of the Pakistani army if he wins Saturday’s presidential election, reports the BBC. Eighty-six members of parliament resigned to protest the upcoming election, which they claim is illegal due to Gen. Musharraf's concurrent military position. Musharraf took control in a 1999 coup.

The resigning members of parliament, opposing military interference in civilian life, said their move was designed to “discredit the election process,” but it may also help him win the presidency, since the voting is done by MPs. Friday the Supreme Court ruled that it is legal for Musharraf to hold both roles. (More Pakistan stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X