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Al-Ahram Weekly 30 Sep. - 6 Oct. 1999 Issue No. 449 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 30 Sep. - 6 Oct. 1999 Issue No. 449
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Focus Features Profile Travel Living Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Resounding approval
In the speech President Mubarak made the day before Sunday's national referendum, he made it clear that supporting his reelection implied backing the plans he is proposing for the future. President Mubarak said he would uphold his commitment to social justice and protecting the interests of low-income population groups -- still a majority. He also promised to encourage the development of local high-tech industries, with the aim of transforming Egypt into a technology exporter. Egyptians, who have waited patiently to enjoy the benefits of tough years of necessary economic reform, now expect better education, health care and more housing projects for the young generations.Recognising that these demands are entirely justified, immediately after the referendum Mubarak asked those who were planning to take out advertisements congratulating him to channel the money into housing projects instead.
As important as implementing economic reform and improving living standards, Mubarak said, is increasing public participation in the decision-making process. The president said he would never allow the political regime to become a dictatorship.
Many Egyptians agree: now that terrorism is no longer a threat to stability and economic development, it is time to strengthen democracy and allow greater freedom of expression. The establishment of new political parties committed to democracy and pluralism will definitely help break the current state of stagnation and encourage younger generations to participate in the process of building their country. Allowing individuals and groups to publish newspapers freely or to establish private television channels without endless restrictions would also add to President Mubarak's achievements with respect to freedom of expression and thought.
The high turnout in Sunday's referendum clearly means that the majority of Egyptians support their leader and the goal he has announced in several recent speeches: the creation of a strong, modern and democratic Egypt, respected by its neighbours and the world.
