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Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone has condemned Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's referendum as a device to perpetuate his 'dictatorial rule'.
Pallone said that the device to extend Musharraf's rule by five years is 'illegal' and 'unconstitutional' under Pakistan's Constitution, which requires the two Houses of the legislature to choose the president.
"Musharraf," he said, "is simply paying lip service to democratic rule by holding the referendum."
Pallone, former co-chairman of the India Caucus, noted that the 15-party Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy, which includes the country's two main parties, have been very vocal in opposing the referendum.
He said that there has also been a backlash against the referendum plan from Pakistan's main newspapers, the major Islamic parties and the 54-nation Commonwealth.
Although Musharraf has been an ally of the US in the war against terrorism, he said, "We cannot forget that he is the dictatorial leader of Pakistan and that he is not in fact the duly elected President of Pakistan."
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