Sherif: We are not launching reform from vacuum; our history is full of achievements
Egypt, Politics, 6/30/2005

Secretary General of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Safwat Al Sherif said Wednesday that Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak will sign a number of political laws next week, ahead of being issued with the aim of realizing greater democracy.

Addressing a ceremony organized by the NDP to honor distinguished figures in an intellectual competition for the year 2004, held under the rubric "reform in Egypt and the Arab world." El -Sherif said a decree on the organization of presidential elections is to be issued within the coming days.

The step came in light of an endorsement by the People's Assembly Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee, at its meeting Wednesday, of a ruling by the Supreme Constitutional Court on the unconstitutionality of seven provisions of a new law on presidential elections.

El -Sherif asserted that President Mubarak's vision of reform would be a reality in the upcoming presidential election, which would guarantee participation in a genuine democracy, ensuring the right of political parties to run in the presidential race.

The NDP welcomes fair competition among parties, El- Sherif said adding that we are not worried over what is taking place in the streets but we reject excesses as our people reject any violation of ethics and values.

He said the party action can not be done haphazardly but through dialogue and respect for the other opinion.

He said also that the thought the thinking of the National Democratic Party is based on ethics of the citizenship and reform adding that the National Democratic Party is seeking to maintain stability and can manage change which is a natural thing in dealing with the international variables.

He said change is not a step forward but rather deliberate steps for completing the building.

The NDP, El -Sherif noted, welcomes home competition with the other political parties in a way that boosts Egypt's path down the journey towards democracy.

El- Sherif added that the NDP, as the majority of the Egyptian people, will reserve its right to nominate President Mubarak for a new term as President of the Republic.

El -Sherif explained that President Mubarak has issued a directive not to start the election campaign because he has not yet made the decision to run. However, the party will support his nomination and the public will have the final say.

Previous Stories:
  Abul-Naga: Maintaining regional stability serves reform, development   (6/21/2005)
  Mubarak and Rice discuss settlement prospects, development in Iraq and reform efforts   (6/21/2005)
  Rice calls for free elections in Egypt, meets opposition figures   (6/21/2005)

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