Musharraf confirmed as Pakistan's president

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Saturday ratified the election of Pervez Musharraf for a second five-year term as president, a spokesman said.

The affirmation clears the way for the president-general to become a civilian leader.

"We have issued a notification about the success of Pervez Musharraf in the presidential election," said Kanwar Dilshad, spokesman for the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Musharraf was chosen by Pakistan's parliament for a new term in October, but the Supreme Court had put a hold on the results after complaints from rival candidates.

Rivals argued that Musharraf's victory was not legitimate since the constitution banned military officers from contesting presidential elections.