By carrying out a remarkably free and peaceful election—its first direct, universal vote in 23 years of independence—Pakistan has taken an important first step toward restoring, constitutional government. The next step will be more difficult as the dominant parties in East and West Pakistan try to find enough common ground for a constitution that will bolster national unity.

The two victorious parties are very different, and effective cooperation will require painful compromises. Sheik Mujibur Rahman, whose Awami League seems certain win all but one or two of East Pakistan's seats, and thus a comfortable majority in the Constituent Assembly, has long demanded autonomy for his region in everything but defense and foreign policy. Former Foreign Minister Zulfikar All Bhutto, whose Pakistan People's party polled powerfully in West Pakistan, calls his program “Islamic Socialism,” and demands public ownership of heavy industry and distribution of state lands to the peasants.

It might be possible eventually for Sheik Mujibur form a government in collaboration with Mr. Bhutto's opponents in the West. But the first necessity is to produce in 120 days a constitution acceptable to President Yahya Khan, and this can be achieved only by cooperation between the two political leaders.

If General Yahya approves the constitution, the Constituent Assembly then would become the regular National Assembly and proceed to regular tasks of government. It General Yahya disapproves, or if no document is produced in the specified time, the Pakistanis must start all over again% with fresh elections.

This divided, struggling country, only beginning recover from the cyclone that struck last month, de serves every encouragement as it strives to return constitutional government through the democratic process.