London, Sep 11 (IANS) Former president Pervez Musharraf says he is forming a new political party and plans to return to Pakistan as he has "a good chance" of winning the next elections.

Musharraf, who now lives here, told BBC that he would be returning to his country before elections take place in 2013.

For the past few months, the former military dictator has spoken about the possibility of returning to Pakistan.

Media reports said he would be stand for a seat in parliament.

"I believe very strongly that it's better to try and fail rather than not try and go down without trying.

"At this moment we see darkness all over in Pakistan, we have to show light, we have to show an alternative, a viable alternative where people see light and gain some confidence," he was quoted as saying.

He added: "I can't be sure of becoming president again but I believe there is a good chance of my winning."

Musharraf took charge of Pakistan after a bloodless coup in 1999 ousted the elected government of prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

He ended his decade-long rule and resigned as president in August 2008.

The former army chief admitted that if he returned to Pakistan, he would face legal cases and there could be a risk of his being killed.

"A time has come in Pakistan when we need to introduce a new political culture, a culture which can take Pakistan forward on a democratic path, on a correct democratic path, not on an artificial, make-believe democratic path," he said.