ISLAMABAD, MAY 5:Pakistan’s Election Commission on Monday put off by two months by-polls to national and provincial assemblies scheduled for June 18 due to the country’s “adverse security situation”, leading a “surprised” ruling coalition to suspect the hand of embattled President Pervez Musharraf.

This is the second time the by-polls are being put off by the Musharraf’s handpicked election panel after they were originally scheduled to be held on June 3. Election Commission Secretary Kanwar Dilshad told reporters that the decision was made after the chief secretary of the North West Frontier Province sought a postponement of the by-polls due to the security situation.

“The chief secretary said the polls should be postponed for some time due to the adverse law and order situation in the province. The EC’s decision was also influenced by the fact that budget sessions of the national and provincial assemblies are due,” Dilshad said.

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