Pakistan vote presents risks, some upside for U.S

By Paul Eckert, Asia Correspondent - Analysis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pakistani voters' rejection of U.S. ally President Pervez Musharraf forces Washington to find new partners in the key Muslim nation, but also presents a chance to pursue shared interests with wider legitimacy.

The United States reacted cautiously to Monday's election for the 342-seat National Assembly that showed the pro-Musharraf Pakistan Muslim League losing badly to the country's two main opposition parties.

State Department spokesman Tom Casey urged all parties to remain calm, accept the results and work together. He welcomed the vote as a "step toward the full restoration of democracy."

The White House, which had considered military strongman Musharraf a bulwark against al Qaeda and the Taliban, expressed hope for continued cooperation on counterterrorism.

A muted U.S. response was prudent while the top vote getter, the Pakistan People's Party of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, discusses with potential partners the shape of a new government, experts said.

"The outcome was not a disaster. It didn't lead to the victory of anyone who would be deeply dangerous to Washington, but it will complicate things," said Daniel Markey, a South Asia expert at the Council on Foreign Relations.

He predicted the vote would lead to Musharraf's eventual departure, but said Washington should tread carefully with prospective new leaders now because "there's nothing that hurts a Pakistani candidate like the kiss from Washington."

The United States is faulted by Pakistanis for backing Musharraf despite his civil rights crackdown in 2007. More broadly, many Pakistanis believe Washington favors individuals over institutions and the military over civilian rulers.