By Prensa Latina
Islamabad : Eleven days before general elections, the Pakistani Popular Party is still without a leader since the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
The PPP was present at the Chelum for Benazir Bhutto Thursday, a religious commemoration made 40 days after a martyrdom, according to the Muslim Shiite tradition. Bhutto was the victim of an attack on December 27.
PPP spokesman Farahtullah Babar said the leadership has not chosen a candidate for the February 18 elections, responding to US weekly Newsweek’s interview of Asif Ali Zardari, Bhutto s widower, in which he said he was getting ready for the post of leader.
The impression that Zardari might be the successor became stronger after Bhutto s political will was published, in which she appointed Zardari as the one able to keep the unity of the Pakistani people.
In his statements to Newsweek, Zardari admitted he is not a nationally recognized personality and his credibility was harmed after he served 11 years in prison, for what he called “trumped-up corruption charges.”