Pakistani officials say elections will be delayed until February because it is impossible to hold next week's parliamentary vote on time.
Election Commission Secretary-General Kanwar Dilshad told reporters on Tuesday that a new date will be announced Wednesday, following talks with political parties.
Election officials have confirmed the vote will be held in February and were taking into account the Muslim holy month of Muharram, which ends on February eighth.
The opposition party of slain leader Benazir Bhutto and that of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are both demanding that the vote be held as scheduled on January eighth. Mr. Sharif has threatened street protests if the elections are postponed.
Last week's assassination of Ms. Bhutto threw preparations for the ballot into disarray as street riots erupted in cities across the country. The election commission says many of its offices were burned and voter rolls destroyed in the violence. Bhutto's home province of Sindh was particularly hard-hit. Nearly 60 people have been killed.
The party of President Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan Muslim League - Q favors an election delay of several weeks, saying the vote would have no credibility if held under the current climate of instability.
Mr. Musharraf plans to address the nation Wednesday night at eight o'clock local time.
Election Commission Secretary-General Kanwar Dilshad told reporters on Tuesday that a new date will be announced Wednesday, following talks with political parties.
Election officials have confirmed the vote will be held in February and were taking into account the Muslim holy month of Muharram, which ends on February eighth.
The opposition party of slain leader Benazir Bhutto and that of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are both demanding that the vote be held as scheduled on January eighth. Mr. Sharif has threatened street protests if the elections are postponed.
Last week's assassination of Ms. Bhutto threw preparations for the ballot into disarray as street riots erupted in cities across the country. The election commission says many of its offices were burned and voter rolls destroyed in the violence. Bhutto's home province of Sindh was particularly hard-hit. Nearly 60 people have been killed.
The party of President Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan Muslim League - Q favors an election delay of several weeks, saying the vote would have no credibility if held under the current climate of instability.
Mr. Musharraf plans to address the nation Wednesday night at eight o'clock local time.