PPP may contest Pakistan poll

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ISLAMABAD, SEPT 26 (AP): Pakistan's serpentine politics took another twist Wednesday after former Premier Benazir Bhutto's party declared it would contest the Oct. 6 presidential election - but only if President Gen. Pervez Musharraf is barred from running.
The announcement came as the Supreme Court resumed hearing petitions that could determine Musharraf's right to pursue a new five-year term. The opposition claims he cannot do so without giving up his powerful dual role as army chief.
Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 coup, has pledged to step down as military chief and restore civilian rule if lawmakers give him a fresh mandate Oct. 6. But a government lawyer said Tuesday the Pakistani leader would remain army chief if he is not re-elected.
That has fueled opposition claims, denied by the government, that Musharraf could be preparing to declare a state of emergency. With a court ruling expected this week, authorities have already rounded up at least 100 opposition party leaders and members - perhaps many more - to prevent street protests, drawing sharp criticism from Washington and the European Union.