President Hosni Mubarak delivered a detailed speech on 26/12/2006 before members of the People's Assembly and Shura Council in which he explained his vision towards the aspired constitutional amendments. The amendments include 34 articles of the Constitution dealing with main seven issues representing the method of electing the president of the republic thus guaranteeing wider participation of political parties.

The Constitutional amendments also include expanding authorities of the People's Assembly, giving the Shura Council new legislative authorities and guaranteeing cooperation between the two councils. Mubarak's vision includes supporting non-centralization of local administrations in adopting decisions for the interest of citizens, giving the People's Assembly full opportunity to select the best electoral system which guarantees real representation of women in the legislative institution, canceling the exceptional courts and supporting the rights of citizenship to achieve equality among citizens.

President Mubarak stressed that the proposed constitutional amendments aim at realizing many targets including limiting presidential powers, increasing parliament's supervision over government including giving or withdrawing confidence with no referendum in order to exceed its present non-binding consultative role.

In his word, President Mubarak expressed keenness on stability of the country and unity of citizens and pledged to protect Egypt's Muslims and Christians against those who try to spread sedition among them. Speech of President Muabark represents a general framework for course of the constitutional amendments called for by Mubarak to be implemented during the New Year. Mubarak's directives represent a major leap in the reform process in Egypt carrying it to a new stage of political and economic development through an Egyptian vision.

By: Ibrahim Nafie
Al-Ahram
27-12-2006