As a new step on the path of democracy, [taken] with the conviction that entrenching the principles of democracy and the rule of the law, as well as protecting fundamental rights and freedoms are the solid foundation for the progress of our nation, and in implementation of constitutional rules and the law, a referendum to amend certain articles of the constitution will be held on Monday 26 March 2007.

[This referendum] will complete the process of the State of Law, confirm the participation of people in building the future of Egypt and the principles of citizenship and equality through judicial supervision of the all stages of the referendum [mandated to] 334 General Committee made up of nearly 1000 judges and other members of the judicial bodies. [These] will participate effectively [in the referendum] by presiding over all the General Committees.

Additionally, judges will be mandated to monitor sub-committees [polling stations] to ensure the proper progression of the referendum process through on-site inspections from 8AM until the end of the balloting process. Moreover, the counting process will be conducted entirely by judges until the announcement of the results.

In every governorate there will be at least 5 counselors to provide general supervision.

The High Elections Commission confirms that civil society organizations have been granted permission to enter Referendum Committees and observe the referendum process from inside or outside of polling stations or counting committees. Furthermore, the High Elections Committees [confirms that it] has also decided to permit Egyptian, Arab and international media outlets to cover the referendum process with complete transparency and in line with the rules and procedures that it has established to ensure the proper progression of the process, [and it] has mandated Egypt State Information Service to provide the necessary permits to foreign media outlets for the purpose.

Released on 25/3/2007

Chairman of the High Elections Commission
Counselor Mamdouh Marei Minister of Justice