Musharraf’s allies were routed in the February 18 vote, and he is faced with the prospect of inviting the victors to form a government that could drive him from power.

“President Pervez Musharraf has convened the national and provincial assemblies on Monday, March 17,” Pakistan Television reported.

The newly-elected lower house will now meet on Monday at 1100 hrs (local time). Governors of the four provinces will also call sessions of the respective provincial assemblies the same day. On the first day of the session, the MNAs-elect will take oath followed by election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker the next day.

The assembly will then elect leader of the house or the prime minister through process of division on a day to be fixed by the Speaker.