Sharm-EL-Sheikh, June 20, SPA -- U.S. Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice said Monday the world will be watchingelections planned for Egypt this fall and her Egyptiancounterpart promised the voting will be free and fair. Rice, speaking at a news conference, said she hasdiscussed preparations for the elections with EgyptianPresident Hosni Mubarak, who announced his countrywould hold its first ever multi-party elections. Rice said the Egyptian voting must include an opportunityfor opposition candidates to air their messages and said itis important "that there be a sense of competition." "I believe our Egyptian friends understand that and thatthey will take their responsibility seriously becausepeople will watch what happens in Egypt," Rice was quoted as saying by The Associated Press.--MORE1156 Local Time 0856 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/271264