Musharraf Calls on People to Participate in Referendum - 2002-04-28

Pervez Musharraf, the President of Pakistan, has urged the public to support the referendum taking place this week. General Musharraf states that this referendum is necessary to combat terrorism, sectarian violence, poverty, and social corruption. The Supreme Court of Pakistan unanimously voted in favor of the April 30 referendum and deemed it legal, extending President Musharraf's rule. The Supreme Court rejected the opposition's request, which claimed the referendum was unconstitutional. Opposition groups argue that the President should be elected by the votes of state and national representatives. A lawyer representing the opposition stated that the day the Supreme Court issued its ruling was a sad day in Pakistan's history. General Musharraf seized power in 1999 through a bloodless coup and declared himself President a year ago. He claims that the constitution allows him to hold a referendum on important national issues. The Supreme Court of Pakistan had previously confirmed General Musharraf's coup and requested that he transfer power to civilians by October 2002.