India keeps close eye on Pakistan poll

NEW DELHI: India is closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan as President Pervez Musharraf looks set to win five more years in office from weekend elections, a senior official said Friday. 

"We are keeping a close watch on the developments," a foreign ministry official who asked not to be named said, adding the elections were an 'internal matter' for Pakistan.

New Delhi has been silent on recent political developments in Islamabad, including pro-democracy protests and the deportation of former premier Nawaz Sharif. 

Analysts predicted more instability after the election that Musharraf is expected to sweep on Saturday and 'difficulties' in ties with India.

Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in October 1999, has been under pressure to hold elections and quit as head of the all-powerful army. 

Last month, Musharraf said he would shed his uniform by November 15, provided he wins another five-year term.

Wilson John, analyst with the 'Observer Research Foundation' in New Delhi, noted that Musharraf had named former intelligence chief Lieutenant General Ashfaq Kiyani to succeed him as head of the army. 

With the president striking a deal with former prime minister Benazir Bhutto ahead of parliamentary polls early next year 'what we see is a very complex situation emerging in Pakistan' vis a vis India, he said.