'Musharraf's push for another term a blow to democracy'

Analysts said that Musharraf had made clear he would follow the similar paths of previous dictators and cling to power for as long as possible.

They said the decision, announced by his Minister of Information Sheikh Rashid on Tuesday, was a forewarning that the General would manipulate the political chessboard to fulfill his ambitions of power.

Amid scathing criticism by mainstream opposition parties, political analyst Hasan Askari said no military leader had ever surrendered power voluntarily in Pakistan and Musharraf would be no exception.

The retired professor said the announcement would further undermine the development of democratic institutions. "It is a negation of the spirit of democracy."

"In a non democratic set up you do not allow political alternatives to emerge and thus create a situation where leadership is perceived to be indispensable," Askari said.

Former PM Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League party described Musharraf's intentions as a blow to democracy.

"It is a blow to democracy. It clearly shows that General Musharraf is ready to rig the next elections, come what may," party leader Raja Zafarul Haq said.

"This is very sad that he is hell bent to continue."

Political analyst Najam Sethi said the announcement was "ominous."

"The assurance with which the Information Minister has spoken about Musharraf re-election beyond 2007, it seems to suggest that all decisions have already been taken.

"It shows the next elections will be managed to secure the right results which will then make it possible for him to be president for another five years," Sethi said.