In today's session of the Ninth General Conference of the Egyptian National Democratic Party (NDP), delegates reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening Egypt's citizenship rights and democracy. The party's conference marked the culmination of constitutional and legislative reforms which support democratic principles, including, increased power sharing across branches of government, a system of checks and balances, the fostering of a multiparty system and support for an open electoral process.
"This conference marks a new stage in the era of democratic reform in Egypt," said Dr. Mohamed Kamal, Secretary of Political Education and Training. "Through constitutional changes, the NDP is building a better government that works for the people and protects their representative rights."
Through support for the decentralization of the national government, the NDP is encouraging the delegation of more power to local communities and the expansion of political participation, especially at the local level. The NDP is taking concrete steps to widen the circle of participation and bring more people into the political process, particularly women, younger voters and people from rural communities.
The NDP has endorsed constitutional changes that opens the electoral process and established competitive, multiparty elections at the highest levels of government.
"The NDP is studying the electoral system that will be best for all parties and the country as a whole," continued Kamal. "We have recently ratified amendments that increase the participation of women in parliament."
With an introduction of anti-terrorism recommendations today, NDP leaders are working on legislation to maintain the security of the nation while also securing the rights of the individual.
"We have lived under an emergency law for years," said Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mofid Shehab. "This anti-terrorism act will end the state of emergency, and this is important for democracy."
Delegates also endorsed the freedom of information law that will provide transparency in government and guarantee the rights of citizens to disseminate information.
"Our work today is not only about concepts and written amendments, but actions and initiatives, concluded Safwat el-Sherif, General Secretary. "Our work today is about actions not words."