Maintaining that it will work with any successor to the Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, the United States has said, ultimately, it is up to the people of that country to decide on a new dispensation.

"I'm sure that... he's (successor to Musharraf) somebody that our military would be able to work closely with. As for the decision of who fills what post, that's going to be up to the Pakistani government and ultimately the people to decide," the State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said.

"What we're looking for is a modern, moderate, democratic Pakistan. We're not in the habit of choosing who will lead Pakistan. That is for Pakistani people to decide.

What we would like to see is that the elections take place in a transparent, free and fair way," he said.

"And at the end of the day, the voice of the Pakistani people will have spoken. We will work with whomever the Pakistani people choose to lead them. They are a good friend in the fight against terror. The future course of Pakistan is at stake in this and future elections," McCormack said.