Referendum in Pakistan in 2002
The 2002 referendum in Pakistan took place on April 30, 2002. The referendum was supposed to secure the presidency of Pervez Musharraf for the next five years. The referendum was passed with a majority of 97.97 percent. The opposition accused Musharraf of manipulation. The turnout was 56.1 percent. However, the opposition assumed a voter turnout of five to seven percent. The referendum was also criticized by the Pakistani Human Rights Commission. The Commission said that the referendum was riddled with irregularities.
history
Pervez Musharraf dissolved the government of Nawaz Sharif on 12 October 1999 and a coup himself to power. He called himself the Chief Executive. It was believed that the army was forced to take this step in order to avoid further disturbance. Musharraf forced Rafiq Tarar to resign and took over the presidency himself. Musharraf promised to hold parliamentary elections in October 2002, but held the referendum before that. The purpose of the referendum was the democratic legitimation of his presidency. Musharraf wanted the referendum to stabilize Pakistan in a social sense, restore the economy and return to democracy. He also stated that a referendum would be constitutional. However, the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan did not provide for the election of the president by referendum. The referendum was viewed by many as a shame and betrayal. The opposition parties, Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Pakistan Peoples Party stated that Musharraf's intention to hold a referendum was inappropriate. They formed an alliance of 15 parties with the aim of peacefully protesting against the referendum. The two parties also called for a boycott of the referendum. The voting age has been reduced from 21 to 18 years for voting. No proof of identity was required to participate in the referendum. The referendum took place on April 30, 2002 as planned. The referendum question was: Are you in favor of Musharraf remaining President of Pakistan for another five years? The Pakistani government said 78 million voters were allowed to vote in the referendum. 87,000 voting booths have been set up in schools, hospitals, prisons, gas station offices and markets. Anyone could take part in the referendum as long as they could prove their age and identity. Many politicians and analysts saw the referendum as illegal. According to the constitution, the president could only be elected by parliament and the senate. The referendum ensured that Pervez Musharraf could continue his presidency for another five years.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Referendum 2002 Story of Pakistan (English)
- ↑ Pakistan's sham referendum endorses Musharraf as president
