(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Khairi Abaza - Elections for Egypt's parliament, the People's Assembly, were shadowed by a high level of violence and by low levels of participation. With less than 25% of eligible voters taking part, they did not reflect the will of the Egyptian people. Only serious reform can lead to free and fair elections that would attract the silent majority of Egyptians. Opening up the political environment by allowing parties and civil society organizations to be created more easily, by creating true impartiality in the state media, by restricting the unlimited use of state resources by the ruling party, by abolishing the emergency laws, and above all by reforming the constitution will contribute to greater political participation.
2005-12-16 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive