Pakistan elections 'to be delayed'

Pakistan’s crucial January 8 parliamentary elections are likely to be postponed by up to three or four months following the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, a spokesman for the ruling party said today.

Tariq Azim, information secretary of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, said the vote would lose credibility if it was held now, with Bhutto’s party in mourning and other opposition groups intent on boycotting.

He expected authorities to announce a delay within 24 hours.

“How long the postponement will be for will up to the Election Commission,” he said.

“I think we are looking at a delay of a few weeks ... of up to three or four months.”