Mubarak confident of re-election
2005-09-01 14:45
Cairo - Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, seeking re-election to a fifth term, has voiced confidence that voters would choose his "serious platform" over his rivals' "hollow slogans" in the September 7 poll.
In his first interview since the launch of the campaign on August 17, published on Thursday, the 77-year-old president also told the English-language Al-Ahram Weekly he would reject any foreign interference in the electoral process.
"Ultimately, what is right will prevail, because the Egyptian people are aware. They can make their own choices, and they know how to tell the difference between hollow slogans and my serious electoral platform," he said.
Egypt's first pluralist presidential election
Until now, Egyptians had only been able to say yes or no to a single candidate appointed by parliament, which itself is dominated by Mubarak's ruling National Democratic Party (NDP).
Next week, Egypt will for the first time hold a pluralist presidential election, with nine candidates challenging Mubarak for the job he has held since 1981.
"These are the first direct presidential elections in our history. In such a situation, words and promises are not enough," Mubarak told Osama Saraya, chief editor of Al-Ahram, Egypt's top-selling state-owned newspaper.
"I have this to say to the people: go the polls and vote for the candidate of your choice. This is your responsibility; do not neglect it."
No pressure
With Mubarak's victory in little doubt, the battle to ensure a transparent election has taken centre stage. Civil society groups have blossomed demanding the right to supervise the vote in the absence of international monitors.
"Naturally, I refuse to be pressured by anyone," Mubarak said.
"Yes, the world is interested in events in Egypt, not just because of the forthcoming elections and the progress of reform but also because what happens in Egypt affects the area around it."
But Mubarak stressed that his programme was "inspired by a purely Egyptian vision and is a response to the legitimate aspirations of our people. Reform cannot be dictated from abroad."
"Our international partners realise this and realise that we will not tolerate such pressures," he said.
On Monday, the United States state department reiterated its calls for international monitors to be allowed to supervise the vote.
The Arabic version of Mubarak's interview is due to be published in the Al-Ahram daily on Friday.