Mubarak calls on Egyptians to actively take part in referendum

The Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak called on the Egyptians to take part in today's referendum on amending article 76 of the constitution so as to permit multiple candidates in presidential elections.

In a speech broadcast by the Egyptian TV on Tuesday, Mubarak described voting in the referendum as a national responsibility, considering that Egypt will be witnessing within few hours an important incident in its modern history.

Mubarak defended the amendment formula noting it had opened the door for the activities of the parties at the political level in Egypt. He said that the amendment gives an impetus for political pluralism and for enriching the democratic experience.

The ruling party in Egypt organized massive conferences in several Egyptian governorates in order to raise support for the amendment and urge the Egyptians to take part. The Egyptian minister of justice stressed the Egyptian judicial commitment to monitor the referendum and the next elections.