Musharraf and Bhutto Reach Accord, at Last

After months of negotiations, Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto have struck a deal that paves the way for him to win re-election and for her to return to Pakistan. The accord includes full amnesty not only for Bhutto but for all public figures charged with corruption from 1988 to 1999, the New York Times reports. But a new ruling by the Supreme Court today may put the election in jeopardy.

Last night Bhutto agreed to the final text of the accord, and Musharraf should sign it today. Musharraf is standing for reelection tomorrow as president; he has promised to resign as army chief after he wins the ballot. But the Supreme Court, after hearing new petitions against his eligibility, ruled this morning that results of election must be sealed until it has considered all the arguments. the BBC reports. The court promised a decision by Oct. 17; Bhutto is scheduled to return to the Pakistan the next day. (More Benazir Bhutto stories.)