Washington, Dec 17: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has urged Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to ensure fair campaigning for the January 8 parliamentary elections.

“It is extremely important now that there be a very robust and concerted effort to make sure... that the political campaign that needs to take place can take place in an atmosphere conducive to free and fair elections, ” Rice told reporters.

“And that means that the opposition has to be able to gather and mobilize and has to have access to the press, " The News quoted her, as saying.

“If there are real efforts that are made to make sure that the opposition can act on its own behalf... then this can be an election that can move Pakistan forward on the democratic road, ” Rice said.

“This is going to be a very closely watched election, ” she added.

The Opposition parties in Pakistan have alleged that the Musharraf regime was taking a biased stand on campaigning issues. The Pakistan People’s Party has alleged that the intelligence agencies are trying to split the party. (ANI)