Two States… of Emergency
Georgia’s Saakashvili has declared elections - though reviews seem mixed. He’s claiming:
“My chair is worth nothing to me; we care about countries, not chairs,” he said. “Demand and you will receive. You demanded early elections. Here they are: early elections. Come and decide who you want to vote for.
“I do not want to be the president of a country that limits mass media and that declares emergency rule,” he added. “I can only rule the country if I have a renewed mandate from the people.”
That sounds genuinely good, but the opposition is claiming that there are concerns, such as how the elections will be conducted and if all those who wish to run will be allowed to do so. Some are arguing that he’s only declaring elections because he knows he can win with the short time frame.
But things are looking positively sunny in Georgia compared to Pakistan, where Musharraf pledged parliamentary elections “before Feb 15″. Whenever that might be. Oh wait, Dana Perino knows:
Ms. Bhutto described the general’s comments as “vague.” But the White House press secretary, Dana M. Perino, welcomed them, saying it was important for the Pakistani people to hear the “clarification” about the election date.
That is more clear. Thanks, Dana.
As an upstanding democracy, Pakistan’s checks and balances have remained in place:
[Musharraf] made clear that he was counting on a newly formed Supreme Court, filled with appointees loyal to him, to confirm his re-election as president. That election had been under challenge in the Supreme Court, until the court was dismissed last Saturday under the emergency decree.
The judges, who had indicated they might rule against him, remain under house arrest.
Also rounded up were 500 members of Bhutto’s opposition party in advance of a planned rally today (Friday).
I was just saying to Sara that I presume this is what October 2008 will look like in the US… but without the protests.
Update: Bhutto’s now under house arrest. Yes, things going well. And the US is making a strong stand.
For now, Bush administration officials are unanimous in saying that American financial support for Pakistan will continue regardless of whether General Musharraf reverses course.
Links:
Beleaguered Georgian President Sets Elections [NYT]
Musharraf Pledges Elections by Feb. 15 [NYT]
