[JURIST] Pakistani government authorities detained at least a dozen members of the opposition Saturday as part of an effort to prevent possible "disturbances" relating to President Pervez Musharraf [BBC profile] re-election bid. A high level official in the capital Islamabad indicated that more arrests were likely in as the October 6 election nears. Pakistan's president is chosen by an electoral college made up of national and local parliamentarians. Musharraf's government is expecting widespread protests challenging his controversial bid for another 5-year term, which members of the opposition believe is unconstitutional.

On Tuesday, a government lawyer told the Supreme Court of Pakistan [official website] that Musharraf will only resign as chief of Pakistan's army following his re-election. The high court will decide whether Musharraf can constitutionally hold dual roles as president and army chief [JURIST report]. Reuters has more.