By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said Monday that he was willing to work with any prime minister and party that would form the government.
Talking to reporters after casting his vote at Bhindara School in Rawalpindi, Musharraf said whichever party won the elections would form the government.
Musharraf said he remained committed to the policy of political reconciliation in the larger interest of the country.
“The politics of confrontation must give way to policy of reconciliation; not in anyone’s personal interests, but in Pakistan’s interest,” he said.
The party securing majority votes should form the government, and in case of a hung parliament a coalition government should be formed so that the democratic process continues to move ahead peacefully, Musharraf said.
Musharraf said it was vital for the next government to stay in power for five years to ensure economic sustainability and continue the fight against terrorism and extremism, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.
Musharraf said that Monday was an important and historic day for Pakistan as the entire world was watching the transition towards complete democracy.
“I have fulfilled my pledge made to the nation to hold the polls on Feb 18,” he said.
Musharraf said it was important that the people come out in large numbers to prove to the world that they were not terrified of the terrorists trying to create lawlessness in the country.
He appreciated the role of law enforcing agencies, particularly the police. He also lauded the role of the Frontier Corps, the Rangers and the army deployed to assist the civil administration.
Musharraf spoke highly of the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan for ensuring free, fair and transparent polls.
Everyone should accept the outcome of the electoral battle with grace, Musharraf said. “Those winning should show humility and those losing should show grace.”