LONDON, Oct 11: British daily, The Times has described general elections in Pakistan as flawed saying “in reality, whichever parties come out on top, the vote will do no more than cloak continued military rule in democratic mufti”.

The paper says President Pervez Musharraf, who came to power in an army coup in 1999 but has used his power to begin reforms in his corrupt and feudal state. He has apparently been encouraged enough by the West’s cautious recognition of his value in the war on terror to limit drastically the scope of this week’s vote.

The Times has questioned the credibility of the elections by arguing that anti-Musharraf politicians have been banned from participating in voting on grounds of corruption or religious extremism, while leaders loyal to President Musharraf, but tainted by similar accusations, have been allowed to run.

“Skewed though the electoral process appears to be, and vulnerable to rigging, Gen Musharraf may not have been thorough enough in stamping on the opposition to ensure himself unchallenged post-election rule.”

The paper says the West must increase pressure on this ally to push for genuine democratisation. “A respectful relationship with the new parliament, perhaps transferring back some of the powers he decreed to himself in August, would help the newborn institutions of democracy to find their feet.”