Pakistan's Supreme Court dismissed challenges to president Pervez Musharraf's bid to seek re-election on Friday, clearing the way for an expected victory in an October 6 vote.

Despite the ruling, Pakistan faces months of uncertainty as Musharraf tries to keep control of a country whose support for the United States is seen as crucial to the success of Western efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and battle Al-Qaida.

"As per majority six-three, the petitions are not maintainable," Judge Rana Bhagwandas, head of a nine-member bench, told the court.