Former premier Benazir Bhutto on Saturday kicked off her election campaign in the restive North West Frontier Province, saying her Pakistan People's Party would lead the country if the upcoming parliamentary polls are not rigged.
Addressing a PPP workers convention at Peshawar in the NWFP, she urged Pukhtuns and tribals of the province to support her party in the election.
She expressed doubts about the credibility of the polls under the current setup and reiterated her demand for the Constitution of an independent Election Commission.
She regretted that the poll panel was not taking any step against those who were violating the code of conduct.
"There are many hurdles in the way of free and fair elections, but we are not afraid of them and we are sure that the courage of our party workers will overcome these hurdles," she told the party workers, adding that the PPP is sure to win if the polls are free and fair.
Bhutto is the first top Pakistani leader to embark on an election campaign a day after releasing the PPP's populist election manifesto that emphasizes the steps the party will take to provide employment, education and healthcare to the poor.
Other opposition parties have, however, urged Bhutto to join their move to boycott the polls.
Bhutto termed President Pervez Musharraf's decision to hang up his army uniform and his intention to lift the emergency by December 16 as "positive steps".
She said these were a result of the struggle by the PPP and civil society groups.
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