WASHINGTON, Dec 17: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the White House have both said that the forthcoming elections in Pakistan can only be fair and free if the opposition had the freedom to run its campaign and the media were independent.

“It’s extremely important now 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,” said Ms Rice. “And that means that opposition has to be able to gather and mobilize – has to have access to the press. And I think that’s the next test for Pakistan.”

This point was also highlighted at a briefing at the White House where Press Secretary Dana Perino said: “Now that they move forward, towards the election season, it’s very important that the opposition parties, and everybody, have access to a free media so that they can have a free and fair election.”

Ms Rice, however, focused on the need to ensure that the political campaign and the elections are both fair and explained how she thinks this goal can be achieved. The foremost on her list was the need for the opposition to have free access to the media.