Washington: Criticising Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf for irregularities in the April referendum, a US Congressional body has expressed "concern" over the "legitimacy" of the coming October general elections in the country.

"There had been hopes that the upcoming national elections in October will set Pakistan back on the path towards Democratic governance. Such hopes have been eroded by the passage of highly restrictive election laws that likely will prevent the country's two leading politicians (Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif) from participating, as well as by President Musharraf's unilateral imposition of major Constitutional amendments in August 2002," a Congressional research Service said in a report.

The US has expressed concern that these developments may make the ultimate realisation of true Democracy in Pakistan more elusive, said CRS, a body advising members of the Congress.

President Musharraf himself has publicly acknowledged and apologised for irregularities in the voting in the referendum to extend his term by five years, it said.

"Senior government sources have also stated that Pakistan's political parties will face crucial reforms under the Political Parties Act, which could see a purge of their senior leaders. To replace them, President Musharraf apparently plans to groom a new generation of political leaders under his patronage.

PTI