Whoever wins, forms govt: Musharraf

Islamabad, Feb 18 (UNI) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today said whoever wins in the general elections will form the government and he remains committed to the policy of political reconciliation in the larger interest of the nation.

Speaking to mediapersons after casting his vote at a polling station at Bhindara School in constituency NA-54 and PP-9, 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, adding 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, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

Mr Musharraf said it was vital that the next government stays in power for five years to ensure economic sustainability and continuation of the fight against terrorism and extremism.

He said policies of confrontation were damaging Pakistan and political reconciliation was in the interest of the country.

The President said today was an important and historic day for Pakistan as the entire world was watching the transition towards complete democracy, adding that 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 polls as a responsible nation.

''I have fulfilled my pledge made to the nation to hold the polls on February 18,'' he said.

Mr Musharraf appreciated the role of law enforcing agencies, particularly the police, in the conduct of the polls. 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 highly of the Election Commission 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.

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