The new set of Constitutional amendments places a great deal of emphasis on the principle of citizenship and on respect of human rights. It also opens the door wide before all citizens to take part in political life. It is therefore no longer acceptable that youth and women, who make up the majority of Egyptians, should shy away from political participation.

That the National Democratic Party should allocate 4 seats, two for youth and two for women, in every political unit is evidence that the party is keen to change and develop at its base throughout the country. The NDP further seeks to implant democracy within its folds by means holding elections to choose its members including its leader, the first such elections to be held in the party's history.

In his capacity as leader of NDP, President Hosni Mubarak has expressed deep interest in the process and urged absolute transparency. Operations rooms were established to monitor the elections and submit daily reports to the President.

The President's interest reflected in the eagerness of youth and women among other categories to enter the fray of politics and to take part in proposing and developing policies for the majority party.

The elections should give rise to new party leaderships most likely to contribute to Egypt's revival.

Mohammad al-Howari
Al-Akhbar
Tuesday, August 21, 2007