Pakistan: Gilani elected as new prime minister

Pakistan’s parliament elected former speaker and Bhutto loyalist Yousaf Raza Gilani today as the nation’s new prime minister.

Gilani was a long-time aide to slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, whose party now dominates the legislature after last month’s elections.

The National Assembly voted 264 to 42 to confirm Gilani to the post. He will be sworn in tomorrow by President Pervez Musharraf.

Gilani immediately shook the hand of Bhutto’s son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who could be seen wiping away tears. His mother was prime minister twice before being killed in a suicide attack in December.

Cheers of “Long live Bhutto, BB is still alive” rang out through parliament.

Fellow politicians embraced Gilani as he made his way to the prime minister’s lectern.