National Democratic Party Embarks on Ambitious Agenda of Political Reform at 2007 General Conference

Representatives From Across Egypt Will Mark Significant Policy Advances

CAIRO , Egypt , Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - Today, the National Democratic Party of Egypt announced that the 2007 General Conference will build upon and solidify the party's robust era of political transformation. NDP delegates will review the progress that party officials have made during the last year and lay out an ambitious agenda for moving forward. In recent months, the NDP has successfully shepherded the most significant amendments in the areas of legislation, transparency and the oversight of government since the institution of the modern Egyptian constitution in 1971.

"With an eye to the future, the NDP aims to strengthen democracy and the rights of all citizens in Egypt," said Dr. Mohamed Kamal , secretary of political education and training. "At all levels of government - from municipal to national - delegates will be working to reinforce the building blocks of our civil society, our constitutional amendments, so we may elevate Egypt and its people to the global stage."

This year's general conference, the first since 2002, will focus on seven main areas of political reform to strengthen the state of Egyptian democracy and the party structure. These include:

1) Supporting the 1971 Constitution and Recent Amendments

2) Fostering a Multiparty System

3) Ensuring the Rule of Law and Swift Justice

4) Strengthening Public Freedoms and Individual Rights

5) Supporting Organizations of Civil Society

6) Empowering Women

7) Encouraging the Growth of Municipal and Local Democracy

These key areas will be reflected in legislative action at the convention and will address a number of important issues for the Egyptian people. An Anti-Terrorism Act will be introduced that will maintain the security of the homeland; secure the rights of the individual; provide a precise definition of terrorism, organize fair and speedy trials for accused terrorists; crack down on terrorist financing; and expand international cooperation. Delegates will discuss a freedom of information law that will provide transparency in government and guarantee the rights of citizens to disseminate information. Party representatives will also adopt an amendment on professional unions, which will facilitate free and fair elections and allow them to better achieve the goals of their members.

"Conference onlookers will be witnessing the next great achievement in Egypt's storied and extensive history. The NDP is a dynamic party, committed to creating a clear foundation for the future of the Egyptian political system," said Dr. Kamal . "We will enact reforms to strengthen our democracy. We will encourage political participation to improve the lives of our citizens. The NDP will be taking steps to invest immensely in Egypt and its people."

Members of the press interested in attending the convention should contact George Atallah at +1-202-680-0238 or [email protected]

SOURCE National Democratic Party of Egypt