Pakistan's Supreme Court dismissed challenges to president Pervez Musharraf's bid to seek re-election on Friday, clearing the way for an expected victory in an October 6 vote.

Despite the ruling, Pakistan faces months of uncertainty as Musharraf tries to keep control of a country whose support for the United States is seen as crucial to the success of Western efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and battle Al-Qaida.

"As per majority six-three, the petitions are not maintainable," Judge Rana Bhagwandas, head of a nine-member bench, told the court.

Anti-government lawyers and opposition supporters outside the court shouted their disapproval after the decision was announced.

But financial analysts said investors on Pakistan's stock market were expected to welcome the decision in favor of Musharraf, who came to power in 1999.

"The market should react very positively to this decision as a key element of uncertainty has been removed," said Asif Qureshi, head of research at Invisor Securities in Karachi.

Investors are keen to see Musharraf continue policies that have produced strong growth in the last few years and made the Karachi Stock Exchange one of the region's top performers.

An electoral college comprising members of the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies will vote for a president before the assemblies are dissolved for a general election due by mid-January.

Musharraf has vowed to quit the army, his main source of power, soon after winning another term. His ruling party is expected to suffer heavy losses in the general election.

The court heard petitions challenging Musharraf's right to hold the posts of president and army chief, the legality of being elected in uniform, and whether he can get a mandate from the outgoing assemblies.

Musharraf submitted his nomination papers to the Election Commission on Thursday.

In all, 43 candidates filed papers, the Election Commission said. A final list will be published on Monday.

Agencies

(China Daily 09/29/2007 page11)