ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) Pakistani lawmakers have chosen the widower of Benazir Bhutto to be the country's new president. That makes Asif Ali Zardari one of the most powerful civilian leaders in Pakistan's history.

Some lawmakers displayed their loyalty to his late wife by shouting ``Long live Bhutto'' as the vote tallies came in. Zardari inherited his party's leadership after his wife, the former premier, was killed in a gun and bomb attack in December.

Zardari echoed one of Bhutto's favorite slogans in a brief victory speech, describing democracy as ``the best revenge'' against military rules.

The novice leader takes over at a time when Pakistan's economy is crumbling, and the country has faced a series of suicide bombings -- including one today at a security checkpoint in which at least 17 people were killed.

Under Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan has been a key partner of the West against international terrorism. The U.S. wants Pakistan to wipe out Taliban and al-Qaida havens near its border with Afghanistan.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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