The people ,source of all legitimate powers
Egypt, Politics, 7/17/2000

Egypt's Prime Minister Atef Ebeid said in press statements Saturday that upcoming general elections will be held in time, adding that run off elections will be held within three weeks.

The Shura Council yesterday unanimously agreed on the presidential decree amending laws regulating the practice of political rights.

The People's Assembly is due to endorse the new amendments after its constitutional panel had drawn up a report on them.

At the beginning of the Shura Council debates, Prime Minister Atef Ebeid said the presidential decree obliges the government to provide all facilities needed for ensuring full supervision by the judiciary on all poll stations.

He said some judges would be kept in their positions in order to decide on issues raised before courts so that citizens interests may not be interrupted.

Ebeid said what is taking place in Egypt is a unique experiment and has no precedent in Egypt's parliamentary life, adding that the principles contained in the presidential decree should be translated into reality.

Ebeid called on all quarters to carry out President Mubarak's call for deepening democracy roots. He reiterated his commitment to eliminate obstacles which hinder guarantees cited by the constitutional court for fair and free elections.

He said the Ministry of Interior is currently thinking of cutting the number of polling stations which are currently valued at 42,000 far from any breach of objectivity.

Kamal Al Shazli the Minister of the People's Assembly and the Shura Council Affairs and Minister of Justice Counselor Farouqk Seif El Nasr told the Shura Council Session yesterday that the presidential decree underlines President Mubarakís keenness to maintain sovereignty of the constitution, constitutional legitimacy and respect for judiciary rulings.

In their statements before Shura Council session, members of the council from various party orientations said the presidential decree asserts that the people are the source of all powers and that there were no any talking about the possibility of rigging the elections.

In press statements, the Prime Minister said elections would be held in time adding that the government would provide all the financial appropriations needed for holding election in their new form.

Ebeid said the presidential decree is another achievement by President Mubarak.

He said full judiciary supervision of elections represents a new addition to the balance of democratic structure laid down by President Mubarak.

Al Shazly said amendments would ensure free and fair elections 100%. On his part, the Minister of Justice said the new amendments maintain legislative stability.

Farid Zakaria, from the Liberals Party said his party supports the presidential decree adding that his party has repeatedly called for full supervision of the elections by the judiciary . He says the party thanks the President and supports him for taking side with the people.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak to introduce amendments to election Law   (7/13/2000)
  Egypt's First Lady calls on women to vote in upcoming polls   (7/13/2000)
  Prosecutor General investigates reports on changing Labor Party principles   (5/20/2000)
  Egypt: 18 years under the reign of Mubarak   (9/24/1999)

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