WASHINGTON, Sept 20: Indicating her frustration with the government’s move to amend a law to ensure President Pervez Musharraf’s re-election, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto argues that as a government servant, the general is precluded from seeking re-election in or out of uniform.

In an article published in The Washington Post on Thursday, Ms Bhutto points out that the law requires a two-year wait before a member of the military can run for the presidency.

“The general can respond to the people’s desire for legitimate presidential, parliamentary and ministerial elections, or he can tamper with the Constitution,” she adds.

“The latter choice would risk a fresh confrontation with the judiciary, the legal community and the political parties. Such a confrontation could lead to another declaration of martial law, civil unrest, or both,” she warns.

She recalls that last week the Election Commission arbitrarily amended the constitutional provision regarding the eligibility of a person competent to contest for the office of president. Arguing that the Constitution can be amended only through a two-thirds majority in parliament, she says this move has stirred “a judicial hornet’s nest”.

Ms Bhutto says she and her party seek fair, free and impartial elections to be held by an independent election commission under an interim government of national consensus. “We want a level-playing field for all candidates and parties.” Warning against the possibility of rigging the general elections, she quotes from Joseph Stalin who said: “Those who cast the vote decide nothing. Those who count the vote decide everything.”

“That’s why we have stressed electoral reforms – although our efforts have so far been in vain,” she adds.Stressing the need to restore unfettered democracy to Pakistan, Ms Bhutto says the battle for hearts and minds in the war against terror can only be won under democracy.

She says she is returning to Pakistan on Oct 18 to help bring a democratic setup in the country.