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ISLAMABAD - PAKISTANI President Pervez Musharraf issued a warning to opposition parties to accept the result of Monday's election and not resort to agitation if it goes against them, while guaranteeing it will be free and fair.
'They should not be under any illusion that they will bring people to the streets after the election. Nothing of that sort will be allowed,' Mr Musharraf said in comments at a seminar telecast on Thursday by state-run Pakistan Television.
'In this situation of extremism and terrorism, no agitation, anarchy or chaos can be acceptable.'
Mr Musharraf, who came to power as a general in a 1999 coup, quit as army chief in November after securing a second five-year term in circumstances his foes describe as unconstitutional.
Monday's vote is for a new National Assembly and provincial assemblies, and a hostile new parliament could seek his ouster.
Opposition parties have accused the government of trying to rig the polls to favour Mr Musharraf's allies and have threatened to launch protests if they feel cheated.
Mr Musharraf rejected the allegations.
'I am conscious of the fact that the elections should be free, fair and transparent and they have to be seen free, fair and transparent and also peaceful. The entire world is watching us,' he said.
'I guarantee that these will be free and fair.'
He said there could be lower-level tactical irregularities by candidates but the government would not be involved.
The United States and Pakistan's other western allies fear instability in nuclear-armed Pakistan could play into the hands of militants linked to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. -- REUTERS
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