Yahya’s move to delay transfer of power
KARACHI, September 19. THE army-ruled Pakistan was on a new timetable today that would delay the transfer of power to elected civilians, but was designed to assure popular approval of the new constitution being drawn up by experts.
Announcing his decision to let the still unconvened National Assembly approve the constitution he intended to promulgate himself, Gen. Yahya Khan in effect delayed the turnover of power by November, as announced by him on June 28.
After conferring with political leaders from the east and west wings, the President said yesterday that the constitution would go before the fully constituted National Assembly.
That meant by-elections would have to be held in Bangla Desh to fill the seats of 79 Awami League members disqualified by the military junta.
Under martial law, officials have up to four months to hold byelections once the seat is declared vacant-and no seats have been declared officially vacant in Bangla Desh.
Once the elections are held and the Assembly meets, members will have 90 days to amend and approve the constitution.
The People’s Party chief, Mr. Z. A. Bhutto, who was most vehement in his demand for a quick transfer of power, said he did not propose to comment on the programme until he met the party’s Central Committee in Quetta on Thursday.
Mr. Bhutto has warned that any delay in power transfer would lead to chaos in the country.
He said the President assured him yesterday that elections would be held before the year end. An election schedule would be announced early next week, and by October 15, the ban on political meetings would be lifted.
Mr. Bhutto said the President’s intentions would be judged by the way he held on to his timetable.-AP.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 20.9.1971