Tuesday, Feb 23, 2010
Gulf News
Cairo Egypt's former chief of the UN nuclear watchdog Mohammad Al Baradei has slammed "poor conditions" and power imbalance in his homeland.
"The current constitution violates Egypt's international obligations that everyone should be free to nominate himself (for presidency)," said Al Baradei in his first appearance since he returned on Friday to Cairo where he received an exuberant welcome.
"The judiciary has an inadequate power as the executive has an excessive power. You cannot find any other country where one third of the legislature is appointed [by the head of the state]."
Al Baradei, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, is a possible presidential contender though the current Egyptian constitution places curbs on people like him who wants to run as independents.
Under recent amendments, such hopefuls are required to collect at least 250 signatures from the parliament and the local councils, which are in fact dominated by President Hosni Mubarak's National Democratic Party. Meanwhile, potential contenders from political parties should be a leading member for at least one year in a party that has been in existence for at least five years.
"It is humiliating for me and my principles to set up a political party and seek its recognition from a committee headed by the Secretary-General of the ruling party," Al Baradei added in a live interview with the private Egyptian Dream TV on Sunday night.
He said he would run in the 2011 presidential elections if guarantees for free polls are provided and even if Mubarak seeks a fresh term.
"Poverty rates in Egypt are high as 40 per cent of the population live below the poverty line. People should realise there would be no economic and social reforms without political reform," he said.
"It is high time that Egypt moved from authoritarian rule to constitutional democracy," he added without mentioning directly Mubarak.
Mubarak, an ex-air force commander who has been in power since 1981, has yet to say if he will seek a sixth term when his current tenure expires in 2011. Al Baradei said he would start meeting his supporters and political activists before leaving for Germany to receive a prestigious medal.
"Despite the emergency laws, as an Egyptian citizen I have the right to meet people and talk with them," said a defiant Al Baradei. Egypt has been in a state of emergency, allowing police massive powers to arrest suspects, since 1981.
By Ramadan Al Sherbini
Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
