Project on Middle East Democracy

Project on Middle East Democracy
The POMED Wire Archives


Category: Elections

Clinton and Kerry Call for Reform and Concrete Steps Towards Transition

February 7th, 2011 by Naureen

On Sunday, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) urged Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to address his nation and clarify what the timetable and process for transition will be.  ”The most important thing now,” Kerry said, “is to guarantee the process is in place where there are free and fair elections.”  Speaking on NPR on Sunday, U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that she had spoken to Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman and pressed him to issue timelines and ensure that the dialogue process is transparent and meaningful and leads to concrete steps towards transition.  Clinton also called on other Arab leaders to implement economic and political reform.  Speaking to Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik on Saturday, Clinton also emphasized the need to ensure that the legitimate aspirations of the Egyptian people are met and that a broad cross-section of civil society and political actors are involved in the transition process.


Posted in Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Elections, Protests, Reform | Comment »

Sudan: Al-Bashir Accepts Referendum Results, Clinton Expresses U.S. Support

February 7th, 2011 by Naureen

On Monday, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir announced his acceptance of the referendum results and his commitment to maintaining good relations between the North and the South. Southern Leader Salva Kiir welcomed al-Bashir’s comments. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton congratulated northern and southern leaders for “facilitating a peaceful and orderly vote” and commended the Government of Sudan for accepting the outcome. She expressed U.S. support during the upcoming transition process and called on the Government of South Sudan to “launch a process of inclusive governance and take steps to improve good governance and service delivery” and to form strong security and economic relations with the North. Clinton also announced that the U.S. is initiating the process of withdrawing Sudan’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation.

 Update: President Barack Obama has stated that the U.S. will officially recognize South Sudan in July.


Posted in Elections, Sudan | Comment »

Building Lasting Democracy in Egypt

February 7th, 2011 by Alec

Larry Diamond, in an op-ed piece for The Washington Postoutlines the steps needed for Egypt to transform into a stable and lasting democracy.  Using examples from other nations who have made the transitions from authoritarianism to democracy, Diamond states that unity of the opposition is paramount to prevent autocrats from re-consolidating power as a splintered opposition allows corrupt rulers to essentially steal elections.  He says that Egypt is lucky in that Mohammed ElBaradei seems to be emerging as a unifying figure for disparate opposition groups.  Diamond also urges cautions in dealing with remnants of the old regime that are still in place.  A new leader for Egypt must be “untainted by the old order” but will not be able to completely wipe away the remaining “pillars of the authoritarian order.”  He holds up Brazil and South Africa as model examples of how to deal with such elements.  Also necessary, he argues, are constitutional reforms that will allow free and fair elections to take place, while allowing the country to deal with fully re-writing the constitution after such elections. He ends by calling for a transitional government to be inclusive, even if that means including “dubious players” of the old regime: “Transitions are full of opportunists, charlatans and erstwhile autocrats who enter the new political field with no commitment to democracy. Every democratic transition that has endured […] has tread this path.”


Posted in Egypt, Elections, Reform | Comment »

Egypt: Amr Moussa Joins Protests, Calls For Investigation Into Violence

February 4th, 2011 by Naureen

On Friday, Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa was reported to be with protesters demanding the resignation of president Hosni Mubarak at Cairo’s Tahrir Square. The former foreign minister of Egypt has said he was “at the disposal” of the Egyptian people, expressing his readiness to play a role should a transitional governing body be formed and stating that he would consider running for president in September. Moussa is one of the most commonly-approved potential presidential candidates by Egyptians. On Thursday, the Arab League called for an investigation into the violence in Tahrir square between pro and anti-government protesters.


Posted in Arab League, Egypt, Elections, Protests | Comment »

POMED Notes: “Egypt on the Brink”

February 4th, 2011 by Naureen

On Thursday, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in partnership with the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) hosted a discussion on the rapidly evolving crisis in Egypt. Michele Dunne, Senior Associate in the Middle East Program at Carnegie Endowment moderated the event and introduced the panelists: Amr Hamzawy, Research Director and Senior Associate of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut who joined the panelists from Midan Tahrir in Cairo; Bahey al-Din Hassan, director of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies; and Neil Hicks, advisor to Human Rights First.

To read full notes, continue below or click here for pdf.

Read the rest of this entry »


Posted in Civil Society, Egypt, Elections, Event Notes, Events, Foreign Aid, Human Rights, Military, Muslim Brotherhood, POMED, Protests, Reform, US foreign policy | Comment »

Egypt: Al-Azhar Spokesman Resigns, Joins Protesters

February 3rd, 2011 by Naureen

On Thursday, Egypt’s Al-Azhar spokesman Mohmaed Refaa al-Tahtawy resigned from his post in objection to the current government attacks on protesters stating that Islam does not accept injustice. He has joined protesters calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak and has called for the arrest and trial for those who paid thugs to attack protesters on Wednesday night where a reported 35 people have died and over 1000 were injured. Tahtawy also called for a civil state where people get a real chance to participate and choose their representatives.


Posted in Egypt, Elections, Human Rights, Protests | Comment »

Clinton Condemns Attacks on Journalists, Calls for Negotiations On Transition

February 3rd, 2011 by Naureen

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned attacks on journalists, protesters, and human rights activists stating, “It is in times of crisis that governments must demonstrate their adherence to universal values. There is a clear responsibility by the Egyptian government, including the army, to protect those threatened and hold accountable those responsible for these attacks.” She also echoed Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman’s call for free and fair presidential elections and urged “the government and a broad and credible representation of Egypt’s opposition, civil society and political factions to begin, immediately, serious negotiations on a peaceful and orderly transition.”


Posted in Civil Society, Egypt, Elections, Freedom, Human Rights, Journalism, Protests, Reform | Comment »

Kerry-McCain Draft Resolution Calling for Transition to Interim Government in Egypt

February 3rd, 2011 by Naureen

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry (D-MA) and Senator John McCain have cosponsored a resolution calling on Egypt President Hosni Mubarak to “immediately begin an orderly and peaceful transition to a democratic political system,” including “the transfer of power to an inclusive interim caretaker government in coordination with leaders from Egypt’s opposition, civil society and military.” While they hope that Egypt will “hold free, fair, and internationally credible elections this year,” they also expressed their “concern over any organization that espouses an extremist ideology, including the Muslim Brotherhood.” They also noted that it is vitally important that any new government continue “to fulfill its international obligations, including commitments under the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty.”

On Wednesday, McCain also released a statement calling for Mubarak’s resignation: “The rapidly deteriorating situation in Egypt leads me to the conclusion that President Mubarak needs to step down and relinquish power…I urge President Mubarak to transfer power to a caretaker administration that includes members of Egypt’s military, government, civil society, and pro-democracy opposition, which can lead the country to free, fair, and internationally credible elections this year as part of a real transition to democracy.” While he remained concerned about the role of the Muslim Brotherhood, he stated that “Egypt must have a democratic future. It is the will of the Egyptian people. It is in the interest of the United States. And the greatest contribution that President Mubarak can make to the cause of democracy in his country is to remove himself from power.”


Posted in Civil Society, Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Elections, Islam and Democracy, Israel, Military, Muslim Brotherhood, Reform | Comment »

Wisner Recalled, Administration Worries Transition Not Happening Soon Enough

February 3rd, 2011 by Naureen

On Wednesday, former U.S. Ambassador Frank G. Wisner returned to Washington with an administration official saying that he was no longer able to be an effective conduit to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak after their private conversations were leaked. U.S. Ambassador Margaret Scobey is now leading discussions and conveying U.S. wishes for the transition process to being as as soon as possible. Administration officials told ABC News that President Barack Obama is “very concerned” that Mubarak may not begin the process or an orderly transfer of power as quickly as he needs to. In a press briefing on Wednesday, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs made clear that the administration expects transition to begin now: “What the people of Egypt want to see is not some process that starts a week, a month or several months from now…There are reforms that need to be undertaken, and there are opposition entities that have to be included in the conversations as we move toward free and fair elections that we’ve advocated for quite some time.” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley echoed Gibbs’ remarks stating, “The longer that this goes unresolved, the greater the danger of further violence. And it is imperative that this process begin now…The people have spoken, and it’s time for Egypt and those officials who want to play a role in Egypt’s future to respond significantly.”


Posted in Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Elections, Protests, Reform | Comment »

Obama Calls for Democratic Transition to Begin Now

February 1st, 2011 by Naureen

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama made a statement on the events in Egypt and his conversations with President Hosni Mubarak. Obama began by praising the Egyptian military for its restraint and professionalism: “I urge the military to continue its efforts to ensure this time of change is peaceful.”

He went on to say that the U.S. “stands for freedom of information and expression” and stated that going forward the U.S. will continue to support democracy. “We have spoken out on behalf of the need for change,” he said and mentioned that in conversations with Mubarak he expressed that “those of us who are privileged to serve in positions of power, do so at the will of the people.” Obama stated that “Mubarak recognizes that the status quo is not sustainable.”

He also stated that it is not the role of any country to determine Egypt’s leaders: “To the people of Egypt, particularly the young people of Egypt, I want to be clear: we hear your voices…and I believe that you will determine your own destiny.” Obama also stressed that, “Orderly transition must be meaningful, must be peaceful, and must begin now...the process of change should lead to elections that are free and fair and meet the aspirations of the people… There will be difficult days ahead. Many questions remain unanswered. But I am confident Egyptian people will find those answers…and the U.S. stands ready to assist the Egyptian people in the aftermath of these protests.

Update: To see his full statement click here.


Posted in Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Elections, Protests, Reform, Upcoming Events | Comment »

Kerry’s Responds to Events in Egypt and Mubarak’s Speech

February 1st, 2011 by Naureen

Speaking at a hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committeee, Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) stated that he believed “it is vital for President Mubarak to help transform this moment into the new Egypt and that he needs to address the nation and embrace the people’s aspirations.” President Hosni Mubarak also needs to say that neither he nor his son will be candidates for election or reelection in the presidential elections.

Following, Mubarak’s announcement Kerry released a statement saying: “This was an important announcement by President Mubarak to bring his presidency to an end and pledge that free and fair elections will be held. I believe that President Mubarak should now work with the military and civil society to establish an interim caretaker government.” He added though, “it remains to be seen whether this is enough to satisfy the demands of the Egyptian people for change “and that much work remains to be done to turn this auspicious moment into lasting peace and prosperity” as the country will prepare for elections and peaceful transition. He called on the opposition leaders “to develop a process that will ensure all of Egypt’s voices are heard.”


Posted in Democracy Promotion, Egypt, Elections, Protests, Reform | Comment »

Mubarak Announces He Will Stay Till End of Term and Lead Transition

February 1st, 2011 by Naureen

On Tuesday, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak addressed the Egyptian people saying, “The events of the past days have forced us to choose between two roads: chaos and stability.” He stated that he instructed Vice President Omar Suleiman “to engage with all the opposition forces in dialogue” to materialize the lawful demands of the people and restore security. However, he said, “certain political forces are refusing to join dialogue.”

Mubarak went on to say that he never sought power or influence, “I am one of the armed forces personnel. It is not in my nature to abandon or betray responsibility to restore security and stability…My job is to pave the way for the coming elections. I did not intend to run for the coming presidency. I have exhausted my life serving Egypt and its people…and am keen on ending my career for the sake of the nation.”

Mubarak stated that in the few months remaining of his term, he will work for a peaceful transition in power and called for parliament to debate amendments to Articles 76 and 77 on the qualifications for candidacy of president and ensure that all political parties to participate. He also stated that parliament should abide by the rulings from Constitution Court in regards to findings on past elections. Mubarak also instructed the police apparatus to undertake its duty to “protect the citizens, respect their rights, freedom, and dignity” and to arrest outlaws who perpetuated mayhem and chaos.

In closing, he stated that he is happy to end my career in a manner that is “applicable to God and my fellow citizens” and takes pride in the long years he has served Egypt and its people: “I defended its soil, sovereignty, and interests and I will die on the soil of Egypt. I will be judged by history for my merits and my demerits.”

Observers have noted that Mubarak failed to mention whether he will repeal the emergency law. His demands, Al Jazeera, says “falls short of the demands of protesters; the evidence is there on the streets” where protesters are chanting the word, “Erhal”(Leave in Arabic). Protesters in Tahrir are continuing to call for the regime’s overthrow.

To see a translation of Mubarak’s full speech click here.


Posted in Egypt, Elections, Protests, Reform | Comment »

Obama Envoy Calls for Mubarak to Step Aside

February 1st, 2011 by Kyle

The LA Times reports that that former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Frank Wisner told Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that he must step aside and allow a new government to take shape. This message was apparently immediately rebuffed by President Mubarak. The piece also reports that the U.S. urged Mubarak not to be a part of the transition that the U.S. has called for in recent days. These recent developments are the boldest claims made by the Obama Administration since major protests in Egypt began.


Posted in Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Elections, Protests, Reform, US foreign policy, Uncategorized | Comment »

Obama Urges Mubarak Not to Run Again

February 1st, 2011 by Kyle

The New York Times reports that President Obama has sent a message to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that he should not pursue re-election in this years upcoming presidential elections. This decision effectively withdraws U.S. support for President Mubarak, a step that the U.S. Government has been unwilling to make in recent days. They report that this message was conveyed through former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Frank G. Wisner, who was in Cairo on Tuesday to meet with President Mubarak. This is the firmest step that the Obama administration has made in calling for reforms in Egypt including free and fair elections, but comes short of demanding that Mubarak step aside immediately, the most strident demand of the opposition.


Posted in Diplomacy, Egypt, Elections, Reform, US foreign policy | Comment »

In Response to Egyptian Unrest Palestine Calls for Elections

February 1st, 2011 by Kyle

The Palestinian Authority has not held elections since 2006, which has left President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad  in power beyond their elected terms. Seemingly in response to the current unrest in Egypt, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s Cabinet said Tuesday it would set election dates during its next session, which will most likely occur next week. The Palestinian Authority has canceled elections in the past that have allowed for their leaders to stay in power beyond their originally stated term lengths.


Posted in Egypt, Elections, Palestine | Comment »

Congressman Ackerman Calls on Mubarak to Step Down

February 1st, 2011 by Naureen

Former Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY) stated on Monday, “While initially it may have been prudent for the Obama Administration to walk that rhetorical tight rope to keep the confidence of regional leaders, that moment has surely passed. By their passion, courage and sacrifice in the streets, Egyptians have proven beyond question that they are taking their government back and that the Mubarak-era of rule is ending.” He went on to say that while President Hosni Mubarak had been a valuable partner for the United States, he has “shorn his rule of any mandate or legitimacy beyond that provided by force and arms” and that “his last service to Egypt should be to facilitate a fast transfer of power to a transitional government that can prepare for free and fair elections.” Ackerman also called for a suspension of assistance to Egypt until the transition is underway.


Posted in Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Protests, Reform, US foreign policy | Comment »

Kerry Calls for Mubarak to Go

February 1st, 2011 by Naureen

Writing in the New York Times, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee Senator John Kerry (D-MA) states that even if the protests in Egypt subside in the coming days, the relationship between the Egyptian people and their government has been forever changed. “President Hosni Mubarak,” Kerry says, “must accept that the stability of his country hinges on his willingness to step aside gracefully to make way for a new political structure.” He calls on Mubarak to address his nation and declare that neither he or his son, Gamal Mubarak, will run in the presidential election this year. He must also guarantee free and fair elections open to all legitimate candidates to be conducted without military interference and must “work with the army and civil society to establish an interim caretaker government as soon as possible to oversee an orderly transition in the coming months.” Kerry went on to say, “the United States must accompany our rhetoric with real assistance to the Egyptian people. For too long, financing Egypt’s military has dominated our alliance…Congress and the Obama administration need to consider providing civilian assistance that would generate jobs and improve social conditions in Egypt, as well as guarantee that American military assistance is accomplishing its goals.”


Posted in Civil Society, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Protests, Reform, US foreign policy | Comment »

Egypt: Opposition Groups Form Steering Committee, Tap ElBaradei as Spokesman

January 31st, 2011 by Naureen

On Sunday, Egypt’s opposition groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, agreed to back Mohamed ElBaradei as the lead spokesman for the country’s opposition groups in reform negotiations and to lead an interim government. This marked the first real attempt by opposition forces to organize behind a common voice.  Speaking in Cairo on Sunday, ElBaradei stated that he now has “the popular and political support” necessary to being the process of forming a unity government and would seek contact with the army to discuss a political transition: “Once Mubarak is out, you will see that a lot of these demonstrators will go home. We are capable here of running a smooth transitional period.” The opposition groups formed a steering committee to strategize further movements and pressure President Hosni Mubarak and his military leaders for more political concessions. Members of the group include ElBaradei (NAC), Ayman Nour (Ghad), Osama Ghazali-Harb (DFP); Abdel-Gelil Moustafa (NAC); George Ishak (Kefaya); Mohd El-Beltagui (MB), Magdy Ahmed Hussein (Hezb al-Amal al-Islami – Islamic Workers’ Party & also Kefaya), Hamdil Sabahi (Karama), Abdel Halim Qandil (Nasserist Party). The tenth seat is reserved for the youth movement, and a representative has not yet been named.

Not all believe that ElBaradei is the best choice, however. ElBaradei is not “a leader that stands out who can unify everybody,” says Hala ElBarkouky, an Egyptian investment banker and financial consultant who participated in a steering committee meeting on Sunday. “He was not there for the people,” she states, noting that his absence to previous demonstrations. It is a sentiment many in Egypt feel. ElBaradei, however, has stated that he does not seek presidency and hopes to simply help the democratic transition.


Posted in Egypt, Elections, Protests, Reform | Comment »

Nelson Calls on Mubarak to Execute Free and Fair Elections and Resign

January 31st, 2011 by Naureen

Writing at The Hill’s Congress Blog, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) discussed the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt and stated that while Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s naming of Omar Suleiman as his vice president is a step in the right direction, change must be made. “He cannot afford to clamp down again, as he initially tried to do,” Nelson says, “Instead, Mr. Mubarak will have to go — but not without an exit strategy that prevents the government from falling and leaving the door open for extremists.” Nelson goes on to say that if “President Obama pushes for Mubarak’s departure, the Egyptian government might fall into the hands of the Muslim Brotherhood” and we may see a repeat of the Iranian revolution of 1979. To quell protesters, he states that Mubarak must “guarantee the people the right to vote in free and fair elections” which are open to international observers and to also give his written assurance that he will not submit his name for candidacy.


Posted in Egypt, Elections, Protests, Reform | Comment »

EU Leaders Call for Dialogue and Reform in Egypt

January 31st, 2011 by Naureen

On Monday, European Union foreign ministers met to discuss the events in Egypt and called for “peaceful dialogue” between protesters and the government. They called for democratic reform that pave the way for “fair and free elections” and for an “orderly transition” to a broad-based government in Egypt. EU foreign affairs chief Baroness Ashton called for immediate talks with opposition saying, “It’s absolutely critical that the government engage in open, frank, direct dialogue.” Foreign ministers urged Hosni Mubarak to embark on reform but stopped short of demanding he leave. Several ministers, including British Foreign Secretary William Hague and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwellesaid it was important that Egypt did not fall into the hands of extremists.


Posted in EU, Egypt, Elections, Protests, Reform | Comment »