PAKISTAN: LAHORE: ELECTION PREVIEW

Описание: (1 Feb 1997) Natural Sound

Politicians in Pakistan on Saturday went to the people for the last time before Monday's elections, ending a month-long campaign marred by uncertainty, mudslinging and violence.

Until last Thursday when the Supreme Court upheld Benazir Bhutto's dismissal from power it wasn't definite the elections would be held on time.

Bhutto is opposed by Muslim League leader and front-runner Nawaz Sharif, and former cricket star Imran Khan, who wants both his rivals disqualified.

Last-day electioneering got off to a highly-charged start Saturday as the country's main candidates rallied their supporters for the final time.

Thousands of people gathered in the ancient Punjab capital of Lahore to cheer on beleaguered former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

The swell of the crowd made it difficult for Bhutto to reach the platform - even as she spoke her words were drowned out by the noise from clapping, flag-waving party faithful.

It was Bhutto's removal from power last November on charges of corruption that paved the way for the elections.

Until two days ago it was uncertain whether the polls would open as scheduled on Monday as the Supreme Court considered a legal challenge to her dismissal.

At her final rally the former Prime Minister accused the judges of being biased.

She also slated the president who dismissed her as a power-monger, and the caretaker administration that replaced her as a collection of Bhutto haters.

Before the polls even open Bhutto has already threatened to reject the results if she wins less than 90 seats in the 204-seat National Assembly.

Elsewhere in Lahore, one of her main opponents - Muslim League leader Nawaz Sharif - was putting on a similar performance for his followers.

The front-runner, Sharif vowed to root out corruption.

But in a campaign defined by mudslinging and allegations, both Bhutto and Khan have claimed President Leghari has struck a deal with Sharif to make sure he emerges the winner.

Sharif accused Bhutto and Khan of desperation.

Like Bhutto, Sharif has also been sacked as prime minister on corruption charges but his dismissal was overturned by the Supreme Court.

Most polls indicate he is likely to regain the job.

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