President Pervez Musharraf on Monday greeted the nation over the holding of peaceful elections and urged the candidates to accept the results gracefully. "Instead of crying foul, we should all show magnanimity," he told the anchors of the PTV Election City during a visit.
The President said in the wake of challenges like extremism and terrorism confronting the country, it was important that the nation stands united, exhibits reconciliation, instead of confrontation. "Election is the voice of the nation and we all, including myself should accept these results." He said there was a need for exhibiting political reconciliation for secure and stable democracy in the country.
The President to a question about his comments on the opinion polls said surveys and opinion polls were good, but they do not necessarily reflect the views of the masses. He cited an example when in 1994 an international organisation conducted opinion polls in India and the ruling BJP decided to go for an early election, but despite the "feel good" factor, they lost.
He also lauded the caretaker government of Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro for putting in "maximum effort" in holding a free and fair election and the role of the concerned departments. He appreciated the law enforcement agencies, the Election Commission and concerned authorities for providing effective security to ensure that the elections are held in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner.