Wednesday
Mar282007
White House statement on referendum
By 
Issandr El Amrani | Egypt US
Issandr El Amrani | Egypt US
The strongest statement thus far?
Statement on Egyptian Referendum VoteBut, as always, no consequences.
Yesterday Egypt concluded a popular referendum on a package of amendments to its constitution. While the approval of these amendments is a question for the Egyptian people to decide, it is evident that the vast majority of Egyptians did not choose to participate. Many voices in Egypt have criticized the abbreviated process which led up to this referendum, and have criticized the amendments themselves as a missed opportunity to advance reform and a step backwards. We also took note of significant discrepancies between the estimates of voter turnout provided by the Government and by both Egyptian and foreign media and observers.
As the Middle East moves toward greater openness and pluralism, we hope that Egypt will take a leading role as it does on many other regional issues. Secretary Rice was recently in Egypt and discussed political reform with senior Egyptian officials. We will continue to raise these issues at the highest levels in an effort to help the Government of Egypt fulfill the aspirations of the Egyptian people for democracy and meet the standards of openness, transparency, and reform the Government has set for itself.
Reader Comments (6)
They captured some referrundum fraud on video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgHhPzlyxdU&mode=related&search=
This seems to me rather exceptional, though. I can't remember the last time the White House issued any kind of statement on Egypt. Usually this stuff is left to the State Department.
Perhaps, but I'm not sure what it means when it says "As the Middle East moves toward greater openness and pluralism." When? Where? How?
Yeah, good point. Though would we expect this White House to say anything different?
No consequences because it's primarily the responsibility of Egyptians themselves. Think about it. If the U.S. applies "pressure" on Mubarak, the result will just be a palace coup, and the new dictator will smile benevolently as he tightens the screws and America gets the blame.
No, the Egyptian people have to do this themselves. They can't just be inactive or protest. Nor should they acknowledge the "legitimacy" of Mubarak by petitioning him.
Could they not establish their own parallel elections for representative institutions and take the reins of government themselves, on the grounds that they are the true leaders, not the Mubarak gang? Don't you think the sad-faced policemen, alienated judges, frustrated students, and grandmothers who have seen Egypt slide downhill for decades would jump at this?
Why not run an election over the Internet itself? Each IP address gets one vote, or something?
Why is it an American like me has to come up with these ideas, rather than the Egyptians themselves?
They really are bringing out the wet noodles now - just wait till Daddy gets home.
WASHINGTON, March 30 (AP) The U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Thursday the United States hopes Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf sticks to his commitment to restore democracy to his country in elections this year. At the same time, McCormack stepped back from an invitation to endorse Musharraf's candidacy to extend his presidency. Asked by a reporter whether Musharraf would ''be able to hang on for another five years,'' McCormack demurred. ''There is a set of presidential elections at the end of the year ... that is going to determine who's going to lead Pakistan as president for the next five years, I guess,'' McCormack said. ''So I'm not going to try to predict the outcome of those elections.''