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Why only now has the alleged recording been publicised of Pakistan's Attorney General claiming massive vote rigging in tomorrow's election? Claims have been made that it was recorded some three months ago, last November, yet only three days before the elections are due the US-based Human Rights Watch has decided to go public with the recording. A conspiracy? Perhaps, especially as the Attorney General, Malik Qayyum, has denied ever making such a statement. But then that would be his response.
Who benefits from the disclosure of this recording? Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has stated the elections will be free and fair, putting his reputation on the line. Musharraf is doubtless anxious that the elections will be conducted untrammelled by accusations of corruption or any form of violence. Yet it is reasonable to assume that if the elections do not go the way opposition parties expect, there will be hostile repercussions, particularly from those supporters who are convinced the elections are a foregone conclusion in their favour. It is possible the release of the tape recording by Human Rights Watch is a ploy to undermine Musharraf and his supporters, but it is a move likely to have few people convinced.
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