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K J M Varma in Islamabad
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Friday night announced holding of a national referendum in the first week of May on his continuance in office and firmly ruled out any role for former prime ministers Nawaz Sharief and Benazir Bhutto in the country's politics.
"The referendum will be held not later than first week of May and people above the age of 18 years will be allowed to vote," Musharraf said in a 100-minute televised address to the nation.
"I want you the people of Pakistan to tell me whether I am required or not," Musharraf said, who seized power in a bloodless coup in October 1999 overthrowing Sharief as the prime minister.
He also announced that the elections for Parliament and provincial assemblies would be held in October as directed by the Supreme Court. Accusing Sharief and Bhutto of having swindled the country, he said such people would not be allowed to enter politics in Pakistan.
Stating that democracy in Pakistan must suit the country's environment, Musharraf, in army chief's uniform, asserted that the referendum would bring about political stability and was not in violation of the Constitution and aimed at introducing 'real democracy'.
Asking people to vote in his favour, Musharraf said, "You have to decide whether you want continuity of social, economic and political reforms as also my continuity in the interest of Pakistan."
Musharraf sought people's backing 'to prove the doomsday agents wrong'.
The Chief Election Commissioner would announce the details of the referendum, including the date.
The Pakistan president said that he would ensure that the ruling 'troika' in the country -- president, prime minister and army chief -- was subjected to 'checks and balances' so that they did not take any impulsive action or promote their personal and political interests.
Musharraf said Nawaz Sharief and Benazir Bhutto were interested in returning to Pakistan to plunder more as the country's economic position has improved.
He said the two have no role during the referendum and the general elections and asked the people not to believe rumours that he had sent emissaries to talk to them.
"I never sent anyone to talk to them," he added.
Rejecting demands for power-sharing, Musharraf said that any future prime minister, who wields the executive power, after elections would be the key authority and would have to have 'harmonious relations' with the president, traditionally the figurehead.
"Democracy must function and take roots in Pakistan," he said, asserting that he would give maximum autonomy at the provincial level.
The Pakistan president said that a National Security Council would be constituted to keep a check on the 'ruling troika' as also to support them from behind so that they complete their tenure and pursue national interests.
Musharraf said that he would retain some powers so that the new prime minister selected after the October general election 'cannot damage the national interest'.
"I will support the prime minister if he wants me to work for the welfare of Pakistan," he said.
Musharraf said that his regime would amend the Constitution to further the national interest and carry out 'minimum' changes.
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