El-Baradei calls for Egypt election boycott
Egyptian presidential hopeful Mohamed ElBaradei greets his supporters during a break fast event celebrating the first year of his campaign to press for political reform in Cairo September 6, 2010. (Reuters)
Published: Sep 8, 2010 00:31 Updated: Sep 8, 2010 00:31
CAIRO: Egypt's leading democracy advocate has made a forceful call for the nation to boycott November's parliamentary election and urged his young supporters to be patient and plan for a lengthy struggle.
Nobel laureate Mohammed El-Baradei told about 200 activists gathered Monday for a sunset Ramadan meal that participating in the vote would go against "the national will" to transform Egypt into a genuine democracy.
"If the whole people boycott the elections totally, it will be in my view the end of the regime," he told reporters afterward.
Egypt's opposition groups are divided over the issue of a boycott and it is not clear how many would heed a call not to contest or vote in the election. The largest opposition force, Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, for example, is unlikely to boycott, although it backs El-Baradei and his demands for change.
El-Baradei, who served as the chief of the UN nuclear agency, returned home in February to a hero's welcome.
Supporters have rallied behind him to press for democratic reforms and urged him to run in the 2011 presidential election.
El-Baradei, whose campaign has provoked government anger, said he would only run if there were constitutional changes and guarantees of free elections. In six months, his campaign has gathered around 800,000 signatures on a petition calling for such changes - a force that seems to have encouraged El-Baradei to attack the government more forcefully.
Until Egypt's political system opens up, it would be wrong to legitimize it by participating in elections, he said. By pressing from the outside, the regime is more likely to give way, he said.
El-Baradei was not specific on where he would take his campaign next, but he threatened civil disobedience if the regime continues to ignore calls for change. However, for the time being, he urged his supporters to reach out for bigger numbers.
The crowd at Monday's event chanted: "El-Baradei keep on going. We are behind you for change. There is no going back."
Comments
EL-BARADEI,
Sep 8, 2010 16:37
Report abuseThe ridicules attempt by the Nobel Prize winner must be a clear sign of internal frustration. It must be said that Mr. El-Baradei has crossed all possible lines, with the latest open statement designed only to cause additional unrest and possible demonstrations, which will ultimately lead to wanted media attention.
If these sort of statements had been made by you or I, we would surly face charges related to national security, but that will not happen to Mr. El-Baradei or would it?
Actually, what surprises me more is that level of hypocrisy that is governing Mr. El-Baradei campaign. The fact that he is hailed in Egypt after completing his assignment with IEAE is simply strange.
What has he actually accomplished over the last 8 years?
You might think that he was successful in administering IEAE.
Wrong, over the two terms in which Mr. El-Baradei had lead the IEAEhe had managed to loss all possible credibility. Sure he did have his overstated 15 minutes of fame on the TV, but what actual benefits has he brought.
You might think that he won the Noble Prize.
Sorry to disappoint you and Mr. El-Baradei, but not accurate. The Noble Prize was given to the efforts made by IEAE and its entire staff.
But you might ask what had happened to the Prize money?
Iâ™m happy to inform you that Mr. El-Baradei had given the funds out to charitable organizations, including one that is run by his sister in law which is located in Egypt.
I would like to tell the Egyptian population that they are been deceived by Mr. El-Baradei, who can be compared to a person that is power hungry, micro-manager and worst off all has no back bone to hold pressure from countries of power.
The Egyptian people have to start to see the bigger picture, what has Mr. El-Baradei achieved??
Has he ever handled?
Educational programmes,
Financial suitability,
Pension reforms,
Environmental issues
The list is long and the answer to all is simply that Mr. El-Baradei is not qualified or fit to be a leader of a country, especially if he was not able to lead the IEAE.
Ps.
Mr. El-Baradei, did you find the nuclear weapons in Iraq or are you still looking for them.
Thank you