Pakistan's election commission has said that unrest following the killing of Benazir Bhutto would almost certainly force the postponement of January 8 elections, despite opposition threats of street protests if the poll is delayed.

The commission said it would announce a final decision on Wednesday after meeting Pakistan's political parties.

Bhutto's husband Asif Ali Zardari, speaking from Bhutto's hometown of Naudero, said he had not been officially advised of any postponement.

So far I have not been advised at an official level by any of the Pakistan People's Party (Bhutto's party) leaders with respect to any postponement of elections. There have been informal discussions, but no official notification.

Bhutto had repeatedly accused the government of rigging the vote, but rejected boycott calls by other opposition groups, saying she did not want to leave the field open for President Pervez Musharraf's loyalists.

Mushahid Hussein, Secretary-General of the PML-Q said that the party of Musharraf was ready for an election whenever it is called.

As far as the Pakistan Muslim League is concerned, we are ready for elections today, tomorrow, whatever the decision of the government of Pakistan is, and the decision of the Election Commission. So our candidates are ready.

Government and election officials earlier said they expect a delay of up to six weeks in the polls.