Pakistan’s new parliament convenes on Monday, setting the stage for a power struggle between US-backed President Pervez Musharraf and a new coalition government that has vowed to assail his already diminished powers.

At stake are the future course and political stability of Pakistan which is struggling with economic problems and rising Islamic militancy at a time when the United States is counting on its assistance in the war on terror.

Parliamentary elections held last month in which Musharraf’s allies were routed illustrated the growing unhappiness with the former general, who dominated Pakistan’s politics during eight years of military rule before quitting the army in November. He remains president, with sweeping powers to dismiss the parliament and prime minister.

But the transition to democracy promises to be politically turbulent as Musharraf’s manoeuvers to cling to the presidency amid the ambitions of the new civilian leaders. Voters want lawmakers to quickly dismantle Musharraf’s “one-man system” and focus their energy on bringing down double-digit inflation and tackling terrorism, said Mehdi Hasan, a prominent political analyst. “But I am not optimistic,” Hasan said, noting that Pakistan’s 60-year history is littered with failed political dawns. “It will take great efforts for the leaders of the parties to adjust and accommodate each other.”

The outgoing speaker of the National Assembly will swear in the newly elected lawmakers on Monday. Parliament will only get down to the real business of lawmaking once the new government takes office later in the month. The parties set to lead it, however, have already outlined a set of priorities that will make for uncomfortable news to Musharraf and his Western backers.

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