Mubarak promises democratic reforms for Egypt
President Hosni Mubarak pledged today to promote further democratic reforms in Egypt in his first comments since winning the first presidential elections held in the Arab world’s largest country.
Mubarak, who won Wednesday’s multi-candidate election with 88% of the vote, thanked Egyptians for awarding him his fifth six-year term as president. Mubarak succeeded Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated by Islamic militants in 1981.
“With all determination and persistence, I will work on creating a modern society for free citizens in a democratic country,” Mubarak told hundreds of cheering, waving members of his ruling National Democratic Party.
Mubarak was adjudged winner Friday by Egypt’s election commission running the polls. But only 23% of eligible voters participated in Egypt’s first-ever multi-candidate poll, highlighting wide scepticism toward the country’s political system.
Despite the low turnout and multiple accusations by opposition candidates of voting irregularities, Mubarak said Egyptians and democracy were “the real winners” of the elections.
Mubarak will take the oath during a September 27 ceremony at Egypt’s parliament, according to the NDP’s official website.
He is also expected to form a new cabinet, which is expected see some of Egypt’s old guard replaced by younger reformists allied to his son, Gamal. Parliamentary elections are also expected in November.
Mubarak renewed promises made during his three-week election campaign to amend Egypt’s constitution to give more powers to the parliament and reduce those held by the president’s office.
He also pledged to improve civil liberties and make it possible for more political parties to form while improving the quality of life for Egyptians and provide four million new job opportunities.
“Everybody is now invited to participate, either those who voted for me or for other candidates,” he said. “I offer my hand to all the sons of the nations without discrimination.”
US President George Bush telephoned Mubarak yesterday to congratulate him on his victory, but called for further democratic reforms.
“We expect it will be part of a process of continuing political reforms and that the flaws that were visible in this election will be corrected for November’s parliamentary election,” White House press secretary Scott McClellan said in a statement.
Mubarak surprised the nation earlier this year by demanding a constitutional amendment to allow for multi-candidate elections for the presidency, replacing the referendum system that had swept him to power in four consecutive votes.
The amendment, which opposition activists criticised for unfairly favouring the incumbent and preventing presidential aspirants not belonging to any legal political party from running, marked a turning point in Egypt’s politics.
