The United States is continuing to urge Egypt to allow international election monitors into the country to observe the upcoming presidential election on September 7.
Spokesman for the U.S. State Department Sean McCormack said international election monitoring is common practice and stressed that Americans have also had monitors in previous elections. “This is not a comment on any particular government or the state of their democracy,” he said. “We urge the Egyptian government to agree to let in election observers.”
Egypt is rejecting election monitors, explaining that local organizations are capable of ensuring a fair election.
The U.S. and the international community have lauded the initiative of President Hosni Mubarak to amend the constitution and allow the country’s first multi-candidate presidential election. McCormack said this is a “positive development.”
But opposition members and human rights groups have called the election process a sham, claiming Mubarak is monopolizing the media and that strict bureaucracy bars independent candidates from participating in the race.
Mubarak is seeking a fifth term in office, competing in the presidential race against nine candidates. Polls suggest he will be victorious in the election.