Egypt Election Reform

February 26, 2005 – 7:23 pm |

Good news from Egypt…

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak ordered the constitution changed to allow multi-candidate presidential elections in September, making a surprise reversal Saturday that could mean he will face a challenger for the first time since taking power in 1981.

It was the first significant move toward political reform in decades in Egypt, a powerhouse in the Arab world that has had one-party rule for more than half a century.

The announcement came amid increasing calls for political reform from the domestic opposition and from the United States and after historic Iraqi and Palestinian elections that brought a taste of democracy to the region.

[Source: CNN]

I think this is really good news for all Egyptians.

In a matter of fact, just earlier today we were talking about the Kifaya demonstrations in Egypt, how currently the elections are only a referendum in which Egyptians vote yes or no for their president and how there should be change.

Hopefully this change, allowing more than one candidate to run for presidency, will be a good step towards more choice and more democracy in Egypt.

» Posted in: World News & Politics
  • http://zaydoun1.blogspot.com Zied

    In my opinion, it is only a comedyto make it look more democratic, no doubt he will be winning again.

  • http://mfls.blogspots.com Sinan

    Even though he’ll be elected again for sure but at least it’s a step no one before dared to do it from the known dictatorial regimes at least. Anyway Egypt was always one of the first Arabian countries to really make some changes whether it is affective or not. I wonder if other Arabian leaders will lead his step in that.

  • http://www.subzeroblue.com MMM

    I agree with Sinan that even if the result stays the same for the next election, this is a good step forward.

    Just a few months ago, having more than one candidate was out of the question, but after the kifaya demonstrations and the pressure, here comes change.

    I think that is great.
    And hopefully more Arab countries will follow.

Subzero Blue is the personal weblog of Mohamed Marwen Meddah: a web enthusiast, founder of StartUpArabia, amateur photographer & blogger.
This site is where I share my thoughts and views on a variety of topics... Read More »