US democracy group warns on Pakistani elections

ISLAMABAD, May 17 (Reuters) Tainted elections in Pakistan could strengthen the hand of Islamist militants, a US group that promotes democracy said today.

The independent National Democratic Institute, referring to Pakistan's president and army chief Pervez Musharraf, also said holding the positions of president and army chief at the same time was not acceptable in a democracy.

''If the elections are tainted, they could lead to the strengthening of extremist elements which can fill the void left by the marginalisation of the more moderate parties,'' said David Collenette, a former Canadian government minister.

Pakistan is due to hold a general election around the end of the year.

Musharraf espouses a vision of ''enlightened moderation'' and has urged voters to shun hardline Islamist parties.

But critics say he has helped Islamist parties to extend their influence by sidelining mainstream liberal parties led by exiled former prime ministers -- Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.

''If the upcoming elections meet international standards and have the confidence of the people of Pakistan they can provide the basis for returning power to civilian hands,'' Collenette, who part of an NDI delegation, told a news conference.

Musharraf also plans to seek re-election as president in September or October by the sitting national and provincial assemblies, before they are dissolved for the general election.

Opposition groups have denounced that plan as unconstitutional.

The Us democracy group said Musharraf should refer the issue to courts.

Constitutionally, Musharraf is supposed to step down as army chief by the end of 2007.

While he has not yet made clear whether he will abide by that commitment, many people believe he is reluctant to give up his uniform as to do so would undermine his authority.

''We have made our position clear that holding the posts of the president and the chief of the army in a democratic society is not acceptable,'' said Collenette.

''We are advocating that the president address this at the earliest.'' The NDI receives funds from the US and several other governments. It works with democratic groups and supports elections around the world.

Musharraf, an important US ally, has maintained a firm grip on power since he took over in a bloodless coup in 1999 but he is facing a deepening political crisis since trying to remove the country's chief justice on March 9.

Analysts speculate that Musharraf's attempt to remove Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was aimed at having a more pliable judge in place in case of constitutional challenges to his plans.

REUTERS SKB VC1945