Egypt’s Mubarak to seek fifth term

SHIBIN EL-KOM – Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said yesterday he would seek a fifth six-year term in the country’s first presidential elections with more than one candidate on September 7.

He also promised constitutional and legislative changes during his next term, on top of the constitutional amendment which abolished in May the old system of referendums on a single presidential candidate chosen by parliament. An anti-terrorism law should replace emergency law, in force for 24 years and a major grievance of the political opposition and of human rights groups, he said.Other changes would reduce the powers of the president and strengthen the role of the cabinet, he added.He promised that as head of state he would ensure that the September elections are “competitive, free and fair”.”I will seek to win the trust and support of the people for a new term,” he said.Mubarak is not expected to face a serious challenge in the elections and the opposition says it doubts his commitment to reform.- Nampa-ReutersAn anti-terrorism law should replace emergency law, in force for 24 years and a major grievance of the political opposition and of human rights groups, he said.Other changes would reduce the powers of the president and strengthen the role of the cabinet, he added.He promised that as head of state he would ensure that the September elections are “competitive, free and fair”.”I will seek to win the trust and support of the people for a new term,” he said.Mubarak is not expected to face a serious challenge in the elections and the opposition says it doubts his commitment to reform.- Nampa-Reuters