Egypt’s VP meets with political parties, promises elections

Sami Annan   sits with Mubarak in January during the revolution The interim Egyptian Vice-President, Sami Annan, has called on Egypt’s experts and political parties to put the Egyptian interest ahead of their own in order to maintain Egypt’s safety and ensure the timely hand over power to a civilian government.
Annan said during a long meeting with Egyptian political parties that: “the armed forces are committed to a plan to maintain Egypt’s safety and security. The plan includes legislative elections, the formation of a new constitution and presidential elections”
Annan also justified the re-enactment of emergency law, although said that it would be revoked as soon as possible.
A number of topics were discussed at the meeting, including the issue of political favouritism.
Annan said that the armed forces have professional relations with all political groups and does not practice favourtism.
He suggested that the state-owned media had the same approach.
"The official media of the state treats all political parties equally, and does not distinguish between them at all."
However, the parties called for the formation of a higher committee to follow up media practices and implement an Ethical Media code, asserting that it is unacceptable to prevent party members from exercising their political rights.
The upcoming elections were discussed at length
Annan assured attendees that the Council will ensure utmost transparency in the upcoming elections.
Annan has also confirmed that the military council will not take part in the upcoming elections.
According to Annan, the Military Council’s sole objective is to ensure Egypt’s stability and safety.
The parties requested a number of guarantees to this end, including ensuring the autonomy of the Supreme Electoral Committee.
It is hoped that the body will administer the elections and make the necessary legal and political transformation to prevent the participation of former-regime officials and conduct a free and fair election.
The parties stressed the importance of creating rules to govern electoral advertising, campaign expenditure, ensuring women’s and youth representation and preventing the use of religious slogans. They also expressed hope that Egyptians abroad would be able to vote and that electoral districts would be re-divided.
Overall, the meeting was a conciliatory one.
The heads of parties showed their appreciation for the Military Council’s efforts in supporting the will of the Egyptian people.
Annan appealed to all meeting participants and the media to avoid spreading internal discord in Egypt.
He called for a commitment to constructive criticism, in order to maintain the stability of the country.