By NNN-Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistani 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 a polling station at Bhindara School in Rawalpindi, Musharraf said whichever party won in the general election 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, said Musharraf.
Musharraf said it was vital for the next government to stay in power for five years to ensure the economic sustainability and continuation of the crucial fight against terrorism and extremism till the elimination of the menace, according to the official Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
Musharraf said Feb. 18 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 who were trying to create lawlessness in the country.
He appreciated the role of law enforcing agencies, particularly the police, who were often blamed for all the ills but had done a marvelous job. He also lauded the role of the Frontier Corps, the Rangers and the army that had been deployed to assist the civil administration.
He spoke highly of the role of Election Commission of Pakistan for ensuring free, fair and transparent polls by taking necessary measures and providing the right equipment.
The outcome should be accepted with grace, Musharraf said. “Those winning should show humility and those losing should show grace.”