Pakistani election authorities have granted preliminary permission to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to contest the 10 October parliamentary elections.

Musharraf says he is strengthening democracy

Officials say his candidacy could still be blocked if appeals are filed against him by 6 September.

But if it goes unchallenged, Mr Sharif would be one of the most prominent politicians taking part in the general elections.

Mr Sharif and another former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, are technically disqualified from the polls under laws barring candidates with criminal convictions.

The two former prime ministers are also disqualified from running for prime ministership under a law brought in by President Pervez Musharraf barring former premiers from a third term.

Elections

The Election Commission's acceptance of Mr Sharif's nomination has come as a surprise.

There is no word yet from the government but it is allowed to appeal against Mr Sharif's nomination to an election tribunal in the Lahore High Court until September 6.

Nawaz Sharif's party has received a boost

Both Mr Sharif and Ms Bhutto filed nomination papers in defiance of the law barring them.

The decision on Ms Bhutto's candidacy is expected on Friday.

General Musharraf, who overthrew Mr Sharif in a bloodless coup in October 1999, says he has called elections to restore democracy in Pakistan.

But many people have raised doubts over his intentions particularly after he made sweeping changes to the constitution.

Critics say his new powers are intended to maintain General Musharraf's grip on authority despite elections.

Observers say unless the polls are rigged, Pakistan's two dominant parties - Ms Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party, and Mr Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League - are unlikely to face any serious challenge.

Opposition parties have expressed doubts that the elections will be free and fair.

Correspondents say there is little sign of any public enthusiasm for the October elections.