Barcelona president Joan Laporta says coach Pep Guardiola's new contract will stand - no matter who wins this year's presidential election.

Laporta, who said this weekend that he wanted a decision from Guardiola on his future by Easter, was delighted to secure the ongoing services of someone he believes is the top coach in the game.

"I think that it's very good news for everyone associated with Barcelona because we all wanted Pep to continue," Laporta said.

"He doesn't like me saying it, but Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world and we are proud to continue to have him here."

Laporta also insisted that this summer's elections had no influence on today's announcement regarding Guardiola.

"The electoral process is independent of all this," he said.

"This leaves us very calm and, putting myself in the shoes of the possible (presidential) candidates, I think they will have peace of mind of knowing who the coach will be and they will only have to be concerned about establishing the conditions and length of his contract."