Whoever wins will form Govt: President
By Makdhoom Babar

RAWALPINDI—President Pervez Musharraf Monday said that whoever wins in the general election will form the government and he remains committed to the policy of political reconciliation in the larger interest of the country. The President was talking to reporters after casting his vote at a polling station at Bhindara School here in constituency NA-54 and PP-9. First lady Begum Sehba Musharraf and the President’s mother also polled their votes.
He said, “The politics of confrontation must give way to policy of reconciliation; not in anyone’s personal interests, but in Pakistan’s interest.”
“We have to come out of confrontational approach and get into a conciliatory mode. I will remain committed to this policy of reconciliation,” the President said and added that he was willing to work with any Prime Minister and party that forms the government.
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.
President Musharraf said it was vital that the next government stays 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.
He said policies of confrontation were damaging Pakistan and political reconciliation was in Pakistan’s interest. President musharraf said February 18 was an important and historic day for Pakistan as the entire world was watching the transition towards complete democracy.
He said now it was upto the nation how it projected itself to the world and they should prove that they were fully capable of holding free, fair, transparent and peaceful election as a responsible nation. “I have fulfilled my pledge made to the nation to hold the polls on Feb 18,” he said.
He however regretted that unfortunately earlier some unnecessary aspersions were cast that the polls may not be held. The President urged the media not to play in the hands of such elements and rather expose them so that they may not continue to take the people for a ride.
He 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.
The President appreciated the role of law enforcing agencies, particularly the police, which are often blamed for all the ills but have done a marvelous job. He also lauded the role of the Frontier Corps, the Rangers and the army that have been deployed to assist the civil administration.
He also spoke high 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 President said whatever the outcome it should be accepted with grace. “Those winning should show humility and those losing should show grace,” he added.
He said it was important that no such thing is done that brings bad name to the country and added that no one would be allowed to damage the reputation of the country.
Earlier, Secretary Election Commission Kunwar Dilshad told APP that polling was going on in a peaceful manner, apart from some unpleasant incidents at a few places.
He expressed satisfaction over the voters’ turnout, which he termed quite good. He said about 22,000 local and 1200 international observers were monitoring the election and they were allowed to freely move and observe the poll process.
Dilshad also referred to US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, who said that the elections have assumed great significance for Pakistan’s history.
President Pervez Musharraf Monday said the winning party or a coalition would form the next government and he would work with it according to the constitution. Talking to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who is Co-Chair of the Pakistan Caucus on the Hill, at the President’s Camp Office here he said there was no conflict in his role with the Prime Minister in accordance with the Constitution, which was based on the parliamentary system.
The President said holding of the general election have belied those who raveled in conspiracy theories and spread misperceptions. Sheila Jackson, who is in Pakistan to observe the elections, exchanged views about the political process and the democratic elections in the country. President Musharraf gave an overview of the developments leading up to the election and said that the government was committed to full transition to democracy and these elections were yet another evidence of the sincerity of his commitment.
He said Pakistan suffered from many misperceptions such as the doubts that were being cast over the holding of the election especially when these were briefly postponed after the tragic assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Sheila Jackson said as member of the House she reflected feelings of her colleagues on the Hill who desired to see democratic, stable and strong Pakistan that continues to play its important role for peace and progress in the region and in the world.
They wanted to see Pakistan emerge as a role model following the elections, she added. She recalled that she visited Pakistan earlier while accompanying former President Clinton and was impressed by the vision of the President for Pakistan. Sheila Jackson appreciated President’s policies especially for empowerment of women and promotion of a vibrant free media with scores of private sector TV channels operating in the country. She praised the role of Pakistan in fighting terrorism and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the Pakistan armed forces. She affirmed that as a friend it would remain her endeavour to present an honest and correct perception of Pakistan .