The results of Monday's parliamentary elections in Pakistan sent a promising and resounding signal to Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf: the Pakistani people want a change.

Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League — both more moderate opposition parties — trounced Musharraf's party.

Despite Musharraf's dismissal of calls for his resignation, the newly elected Parliament could force him to step aside. That decision should rest with the Pakistani people, free from U.S. interference.

But the United States does have a role to play in working with the new parliament.

That won't be easy. Many of these elected leaders view the U.S. with contempt for its continued support of Musharraf. Despite more than $10 billion in American aid, Musharraf has let the Taliban and al-Qaida take refuge in the region's tribal pockets, while the Pakistani people remain among the poorest in the world.

Pakistanis have no confidence in Musharraf's regime, which stifles criticism of his government, intimidates opposition leaders and relies on military rule rather than encouraging democracy.

The election provides an opportunity for the U.S. to change course. The Bush administration should support the decision of Pakistani voters as an exercise in democracy, and work to forge a true partnership to combat terrorism as one of mutual interest.

There are encouraging signs. Voters in the region along the Afghanistan border rejected religious extremist leaders, instead supporting secular parties that promise jobs, infrastructure and peace.

The U.S., and the global community too, must support efforts to improve the daily life of the Pakistani people. That's the most promising path to achieving the stability Pakistan so desperately needs.