Shock and Awe on the Nile, Free Elections Coming…………..
“Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday told his country to prepare for elections in 2011 and hinted that the next round of voting could be a little more democratic than in the past. Mubarak, who has ruled almost unchallenged for 29 years, said in an interview with Egypt's police news magazine that presidential elections would be open to all comers. "Anyone who can bring benefit to Egypt and its people" could take part, he said. Separate elections for Egypt's parliament would take place in 2010, the the 82-year-old president added. "We want elections to be free and fair, bringing a new constituent that will reflect the will of the voters and prepare political parties for the presidential contest in 2011," he said…….....”
I remember the Egyptian people as the most humorous in the Middle East (needless to say, much more humorous than Jordanians who are somewhat less humorous than Vlad the Impaler). But 29 years of uninterrupted Mubarak rule has sapped their sense of humor and , I certainly hope, their legendary patience and endurance.
Yet even by Egyptian standards this one was a cruel and unnecessary joke. We all know there will be no “free and fair” elections next time around, and we know who will win. And he will win by well over 80%, which makes his election even freer than that of Ahmadinejad (he won with about only 56%). So, why waste all the resources and all the hot air?
Cheers
mhg
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