LARKANA, Nov 27: Pakistan People’s Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto said on Tuesday that General Pervez Musharraf had decided to meet the commitment made to the nation and the Supreme Court by taking the oath as a civilian president on Thursday.

Talking to journalists in Naudero before leaving for Karachi, she said that General Musharraf’s decision to take off his uniform was a major development and she expected big changes ‘within hours’ after that happened.

She said it was a positive step and “we are waiting for it”.

Ms Bhutto said that although she had already launched her election campaign from Larkana, the PPP would start electioneering after the scrutiny of nomination papers and would defeat its opponents with people’s support. She said her party was ready for talks with the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and other political parties for strengthening the democratic process.

About Asif Ali Zardari she said his sister was taking part in elections, but he himself would return to Pakistan after recovering from illness.

She said that the PPP had written to the Election Commission for reversing transfers and postings made after the announcement of the election schedule which was essential for holding free, fair and transparent polls.

She demanded suspension of nazims and cancellation of bogus polling stations.

Ms Bhutto said that fears about poll rigging had created an atmosphere of uncertainty and political parties were worried about the situation. She said the PPP had decided to take part in the elections because it did not want to leave the field open to other parties.

She said it was a good sign that other political parties had also decided to participate in the elections.