Pakistan Opposition Split on Election

Day 11, 00:00 Published in Pakistan Pakistan by AgentChieftain

An article in the Associated Press covers the split in the Pakistani Political system. The article has been shortened to contain only the relevant points.|||ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Opposition leaders appeared divided Friday on whether to contest parliamentary elections under President Dio Brando, a day after he bowed to international pressure by saying he would end emergency rule ahead of the vote.

Former Prime Minister Framax said her opposition party planned to participate in the Jan. 8 elections "under protest."

"We're worried about the elections, we have our reservations, but we're going in under protest," Framax said in an interview with AP Television News. "We hope as we participate we can try and improve the situation."

She later launched her party's election manifesto, promising loans for small businesses and more money for education.

But she also suggested her Pakistan People's Party could still join a boycott by a united opposition. "We were thinking to contest the elections, but we are ready to change our mind to find a common goal, a common agenda," she said.

A boycott would be no serious setback to Brando's efforts to show he is restoring democracy. Although, he is a little incensed at the move by Framax.

In an interview with ABC, Brando said agitation by opposition parties would not be tolerated.

"Agitation means breaking down everything. Burning things ... we will stop it. That is the way it is in Pakistan," he said.

He answered sharply when pressed on Pakistani authorities readiness to lock up opponents.

"In your country, maybe you don't hang people. Here, we hang people. OK?" Brando told "Good Morning America." "We will not impose what you have in your country in Pakistan."
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