Egypt's Mubarak Orders Election Changes

Yahoo/AP ^ | Feb 26, 2005 | MAAMOUN YOUSSEF

[jimbergin]

By MAAMOUN YOUSSEF, Associated Press Writer

CAIRO, Egypt - Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak (news - web sites) on Saturday ordered a revision of the country's election laws and said multiple candidates could run in the nation's presidential elections, a scenario Mubarak hasn't faced since taking power in 1981.

AP Photo

The surprise announcement, a response to critics' calls for political reform, comes shortly after historic elections in Iraq (news - web sites) and the Palestinian territories, balloting that brought a taste of democracy to the region. It also comes amid a sharp dispute with the United States over Egypt's arrest of one of the strongest proponents of multi-candidate elections.

"The election of a president will be through direct, secret balloting, giving the chance for political parties to run for the presidential elections and providing guarantees that allow more than one candidate for the people to choose among them with their own will," Mubarak said in an address broadcast live on Egyptian television.

[jimbergin]

Another victory for Bush!

[William of Orange]

cue the 'Rat party and cries of 'Mubarak is under Rove's spell'...

[Dustin Hawkins]

<<>>> And for Dr. Rice! (Not so good for Democrats)

[RAY]

They, maybe, are getting the message?

[AlGone2001]

Freedom is a beautiful thing.

[NonValueAdded]

Strategerie works!

[snowsislander]

It is indeed a victory for President Bush; his administration may well go into our history books as one of our great ones -- and if the hitherto unthinkable occurs and the Middle East becomes a homeland for representative governments, then his presidency may well earn a place in world history books.

[BillyCrockett]

It's all Bush's fault...yuk, yuk.

[Gumption]

Ahead of schedule.

[OldFriend]

Another victory for good over evil.

Keep praying for the safety of our president and his administration.

[JarheadFromFlorida]

Democracy is coming to a neighborhood near you.

[Gunrunner2]

Maybe not.

Mubarak is weakening, physically and politically. His sons are not positioned well to take over power when he dies/retires. Mubarak is possibly trying to divide loyalties among many candidates thereby keeping his core supporters as a block of reliable voters when the shift comes. Gamal, his most favored son, may receive the most votes by doing this, and that is what Mubarak wants.

[No Longer Free State]

I love it when a foreign policy comes together.

[Cold Heat]

Just like bowling pins falling.

[Cold Heat]

Gamal, his most favored son, may receive the most votes by doing this, and that is what Mubarak wants.

one could surmise that, but Gamal would get a lot more votes if he were the only candidate, or one of two.

This dillution can work both ways.

[txhurl]

Ahead of schedule, yes.

[No phonys allowed]

Please tell Democracy to come to Western Washington. We need him now!

[Gunrunner2]

Of course, but what makes this different and my scenario most likely is the fact that Mubarak is losing power and the military is not aligned with his sons. This means the iron hand of Mubarak is not strong enough to ensure only one candidate, Mubarak is playing a smarter, more crafty game because he has to.

Look for big changes when the transfer of power takes place.

[Stultis]

Wow. I was actually expecting some kind of breakthrough with Lebanon. Driving Syria out was the obvious next step after Iraq. But this was a surprise. I wonder how many more surprises are to come?

[Buwan]

Maybe I missed it, but the DUmmies aren't even talking about this, so it must be good news!