Mubarak vows end to emergency law
Egypt, Politics, 8/18/2005

Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak vowed to make a series of political reforms, especially amending article 76 of the constitution, in order to introduce more constitutional reforms that will increase the opportunities of having political parties represented in the parliament. But he did not specify a time for inacting these reforms.

In a speech he made before a crowd of his supporters in the course of his election campaign, Mubarak vowed to end the emergency law, and to replace it by a new law for fighting terrorism.

In his speech at al-Azhar park in the downtown of Cairo on the occasion of start of presidential campaigns, Mubarak stressed that the elections to be held on September 7th will be "free, and transparent." He added "You know me and I know you, the march of the past years brought us together with all its challenges and achievements. We are bound to ambitions of a coming critical phase. I seek your support so as to take part together in carrying out these ambitions."

Mubarak vowed to pursue his efforts to make the nation's dreams come true.

Citing achievements secured over the past period, Mubarak said that the Egyptian economy has come a long way, with foreign debts having been slashed by half.

Egypt has also maintained peace, developed an infrastructure and created some nine million job opportunities for youth, Mubarak said.

President Mubarak maintained that cultivated land increased by two million feddans, social insurance was provided for more than 18 million people, taxes were reduced by half.

Family courts, he said, were established and women's rights were ensured, as manifested in the appointment lately of the first female judge in the Supreme Constitutional Court.

Launching his electoral campaign for another six-year term, President Mubarak said that his platform incorporates his vision of a better future for Egypt, which includes more constitutional and political reforms and also more democracy.

President Mubarak pledged to promote the supervisory role of parliament, provide more chances for party representation, uphold the independence of the judiciary, and enact a new law on terror to replace the emergency law.

Mubarak also promised to protect freedom of opinion and expression, resolutely solve the unemployment problem by creating more than four million job opportunities and encouraging small-scale projects.

He also said that, if elected, his administration would reclaim a million feddans, develop the tourism and education sectors, expand healthcare programs and ensure a better life for all Egyptians.

Mubarak also promised to build new housing units in rural areas, solve the problems facing residents in the governorates, increase the wages of low-income brackets, improve pensions and increase teachers' salaries.

Mubarak further vowed to keep Egypt strong and secure and capable of shouldering its Arab responsibilities.

The Egyptian official TV did not transmit Mubarak's speech, according to a new law aimed at ensuring fair coverage among candidates. It is worth noting that it is not clear how not broadcasting candidates' speeches constitutes good coverage of the presidential elections and informing the public about the issues raised by the different candidates.

Previous Stories:
  Programs of presidential candidates in Egypt   (8/17/2005)
  Egypt's presidential campaign starts today   (8/17/2005)
  Mubarak wants presidency, promises to review emergency law   (7/29/2005)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search