The United States, acknowledging President Pervez Musharraf's recent steps towards democratic transition, Friday said a free and fair parliamentary election in January will help advance Pakistan progress as a moderate democratic country that is also an anti-terror ally.
"President Musharraf has taken off his uniform and stepped down as chief of the army, and all major civilian leaders have now returned to that country. "Free and fair elections in January will advance the goal of a moderate democratic Pakistan that is a partner in the war on terror," she said in her year-end press conference.
Pakistan, a key ally in the fight against terrorism in the region, is scheduled to have a general election on January 8, 2008, which is being seen as vital in terms of the country's progress towards full democracy.