ISLAMABAD, Pakistan- Pakistan held parliamentary elections on Monday in what was called a free and fair process by the media and the international community.  The Pakistan People’s Party (formerly led byBenazir Bhutto) won the most parliamentary seats with 86, and Nawaz Sharif’s party came in as a strong second with 65.

President Pervez Musharraf‘s party won the least amount of seats with 37.  This loss shows that voters no longer believe in the party’s policies and raises doubts over whether or not Musharraf will be able to maintain power for much longer.

Although some critics have doubts over whether they will be able to reach an agreement, the opposition parties have stated that they will form a coalition government.  As it won the most seats, the Pakistan People’s Party will choose the new prime minister.  Benazir Bhutto‘s widower, Asif Ali Zardari, who is now leading the party, has said he will not accept the position and instead his party will pick another MP.

President Musharraf has accepted his party’s defeat and has called for reconciliation amongst the parties.  He has rejected any suggestion that he should step down as President.  As this was a parliamentary election it does not effect the President’s position; however if the parliament reached a two-thirds majority decision, it could remove Musharraf from office in the future.

For more information, please see:

BBC News – Bhutto widower ‘rejects PM role’ – 20 February 2008

Reuters – Musharraf urged to go as rivals win Pakistan poll – 19 February 2008