Pakistanis began voting Monday for a new parliament in elections shadowed by fears of violence and questions about the political survival of President Pervez Musharraf .

Musharraf was re-elected last October to a new five-year term, but the retired general faces growing public anger over his moves last year to declare emergency rule, purge the judiciary and curb independent media.

The parliamentary elections are broadly seen as a referendum on his eight years of rule - including his alliance with the United States that many Pakistanis oppose. An overwhelming victory by the opposition would leave Musharraf politically vulnerable, even at risk of impeachment.

 The vote takes place against the backdrop of escalating Taliban militancy that has spread from volatile tribal regions near the Afghan border to major cities. Violent rivalry between political parties also stalks elections in Pakistan. Before voting began Monday, one provincial assembly candidate died of his wounds from an overnight shooting in the eastern city of Lahore, while 47 were killed at a rally on Saturday.

Public opinion surveys have suggested that if the vote is fair, the Pakistan People's Party of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto will finish first, followed by another opposition party led by ex-premier Nawaz Sharif.

The two major opposition parties say President Pervez Musharraf's allies are planning massive fraud. They have vowed to protest if they suspect foul play.