 Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak pledged yesterday to pursue political reforms after sweeping to a fifth term in office in an election widely criticized by his opponents. âThe true victory is the victory for democracy and pluralism,â Mubarak said in his first speech since his victory in Wednesdayâs first multicandidate presidential election in the most populous country of the Arab world.
| I hate to say this, but it's not "pluralism" when you get the same guy in charge until he dies of old age or he's carried off by djinns... |
Mubarak, who won 88.6 percent of the votes, will be sworn in on Sept. 27 at a big ceremony at the lower house of Parliament. The president will shortly form a new Cabinet that is expected to see some of Egyptâs old guard replaced by younger reformists allied to his son, Gamal.
| I understand some of the "old guard" have actually been around since the '50s. |
Mubarak told members of his ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) that more political and social reforms would be carried out. Egypt, he said, had reached a âturning-pointâ.
| They haven't turned enough to extend individual freedom to their citizens, but they're thinking of putting on a show of democracy... |
âThe pursuit of reforms is irrevocable,â he said. âWith all determination and persistence, I will work on creating a modern society for free citizens in a democratic country,â Mubarak told hundreds of NDP members.
| Good. Institute freedom of religion or the lack thereof. Crack the heads of those who violate it, anywhere. Then we'll believe you. |
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