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10 killed in Pakistan poll violence

B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD: At least 10 persons were killed and scores were injured on Thursday in clashes during the second phase of election to the local bodies in Pakistan.

The Opposition parties have accused the Government of rigging the polls to ensure the victory of pro-Musharraf representatives.

They are apprehensive that Gen. Musharraf might convert the local bodies as an electoral college for election of President.

Though elections are being held on non-party basis, most of the parties are actively involved in the election process.

After the first round on August 18, the ruling combine claimed that majority of its supporters had won the seats.

In an interview to a local daily, Gen. Musharraf said the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), alliance of six religious parties, had managed to secure only 27 per cent of the popular vote in the first phase as compared to the 75 per cent in the 2002 general election.

He said the outcome of election was a reflection of the sea change in the attitude of people towards extremist parties and took credit for the change.

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