Pakistan elections to be delayed a month

AP Photo: A Pakistani taxi driver passes by an election sign for opposition leader Nawaz Sharif Tuesday..

By MUNIR AHMAD, Associated Press Writer Tue Jan 1, 4:31 PM ET

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pakistan elections will be delayed by one month following the turmoil sparked by Benazir Bhutto's assassination, despite opposition threats of street protests unless the crucial vote is held Jan. 8 as originally planned, a top official said Tuesday.

A senior Election Commission official told The Associated Press that the commission has agreed on a new date. He indicated it would not be before the second week of February, but refused to disclose the exact schedule before the formal announcement on Wednesday.

The opposition is likely to accuse authorities of postponing the polls to help the ruling party, which is allied to President Pervez Musharraf. Many believe Bhutto's party could get a sympathy boost if the vote takes place on time. Bhutto had accused elements in the ruling party of plotting to kill her, a charge which it vehemently denies. READ MORE