ISLAMABAD, Sept 6: President-elect Asif Ali Zardari has said that the parliament is sovereign and the president shall be subservient to it.

Addressing a gathering of legislators, ministers and PPP supporters at the Prime Minister’s House on Saturday, he said: “I congratulate the nation and the parliament.”

He was flanked by his daughters, Bakhtawar and Asifa, who earlier in the day witnessed the entire electoral process in the Parliament House and then joined enthusiastic party legislators and workers celebrating Mr Zardari’s victory.

“After today’s success we have to strengthen the federation and all-out steps will be directed towards this objective,” he said.

He condemned the acts of terrorism and violence in the country and warned that if suicide bombers continued their activities “we will use our might to eliminate them”.

Mr Zardari vowed to pursue the political philosophy and vision of Benazir Bhutto, saying “democracy is the best revenge”.

“She taught us how to do politics. We intend to follow the policies of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for democracy for which they have sacrificed their lives.”

He said that a ‘weak democracy’ had managed to get a two-thirds majority and elect a president where a dictator in uniform could not deliver.

“Democracy talks and everyone hears and to those who would say the PPP or the presidency would be controversial and under our guardianship, I say listen to democracy. Ninety-nine per cent of the people have spoken.”

PM GREETS NATION: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani greeted the nation and Mr Zardari on his overwhelming victory.

“I greet the poor people of Pakistan, political forces and workers of the PPP. Today democracy has strengthened, the federation has grown strong and we vow that our party will continue to make Pakistan stronger. We will accomplish the mission of Ms Bhutto and take Pakistan forward on the path of progress and prosperity.”