Musharraf ready to work with new administration

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Monday affirmed that the winning party or a coalition would form the next government after the general election and he would work with the new administration in accordance with the constitution.

There is "no conflict between the roles of the president and the prime minister of the country", Musharraf told Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who is co-chair of the Pakistan Caucus, a foreign ministry statement said.

Jackson Lee is in Pakistan to observe the elections. She exchanged views with Musharraf about the political process and democratic elections in the country.

Musharraf gave an overview of developments leading up to the election and said "his government was committed to the full transition to democracy and today's elections were yet another evidence of the sincerity of his commitment".

Pakistan suffered from many mis-perceptions, such as doubts that were being cast over the holding of the elections especially when they were briefly postponed after the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto, he said.

"Today's elections have once again belied those who revelled in conspiracy theories and spread mis-perceptions," he said.

Jackson Lee said that as co-chair of the Pakistan Caucus, she reflected the feelings of her colleagues in Congress who desired to see a "democratic, stable and strong Pakistan that continues to play its important role for peace and progress in the region and in the world".

She also praised the role of Pakistan in fighting terrorism and paid tribute to the Pakistani armed forces for the sacrifices made by them.