PRESIDENT Yahya Khan of Pakistan must soon announce the postponement of the by-elections he promised would take place "in November at the latest" to replace those Awami League members of the National Assembly now alleged to be traitors.
Several reasons will force the President's hand, although there is no doubt that the hawks in the military junta in both Islamabad and Dacca do not relish the idea of relinquishing their power and handing over at least a symbolic part of it to a group of politicians.
But the vital issue at the moment is that no candidates can be found for the 79 constituencies which have been declared vacant. Civil servants and the more "dovish" members of the martial law authorities have so far been unable to persuade people to stand as candidates, either for the Moslem League or one of the other recognised parties.
For it is well known that candidates will be wide open to threats and harassment from the Mukti Fouj guerrillas. Supporters of Bangla Desh are likely, too, to make the life of any candidate's family difficult and unpleasant, even if they do not use bullets or bombs.
Further, it would be quite unthinkable to hold elections in the uncertain internal security conditions which now prevail over about 90 per cent of the countryside. And, as the Mukti Fouj gain in experience and training, there is no reason to doubt that the deterioration, which has been the main feature of the internal scene during the past two months, will continue.
Two months ago it was possible to drive out of Dacca after dark. Today it is too dangerous, and indeed Army road blocs prevent people from leaving or entering urban areas after sunset.
It is impossible to envisage an election campaign, even a short one, being organised in Dacca which is, after all, a show place so far as security is concerned.