Nominating Mubarak for a new presidential term

The Egyptian People's Council and Shura council has formally announced their pledge of allegiance to President Hosni Mubarak for a new term as president, to last for six years as voters will be asked their opinion in October.

The representatives of parties supported the decision, and Mohammed Ragab, the representative of the ruling National Party, said President Mubarak has adopted democracy in his rule and taken the law as a basis for treatment and the judiciary as a reference for ending disputes.

Fahmi Nashed, a representative of the El-Wafd party, stated that Mubarak never refrained from confronting the nation's enemies and striking those who sought to divide the nation.

Mohammed Farid Zakeria, representative of the Liberal Party, said Mubarak began his regime in 1981 by releasing the elements of opposition, allowed the publication of opposition newspapers and returned Egypt to the Arab nation.

The Assemblage Party decided to refrain from voting, while the El-Wafd Party announced its support for the reelection of Mubarak for a new term, making it the first opposition party to formally announce its support for nominating the president.