(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is a 7 November 2005 ARTICLE 19 press release: EGYPT: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION FUNDAMENTAL TO ENSURE FREE AND FAIR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ARTICLE 19 calls upon the Egyptian authorities to ensure that the parliamentary elections starting on 9th November are conducted in a way that fully respects human rights. As a […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is a 7 November 2005 ARTICLE 19 press release:
EGYPT: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION FUNDAMENTAL TO ENSURE FREE AND FAIR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
ARTICLE 19 calls upon the Egyptian authorities to ensure that the parliamentary elections starting on 9th November are conducted in a way that fully respects human rights. As a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights since 1982, the Egyptian government has committed itself to upholding freedom of expression, which is a necessary pre-requisite to free and fair elections. ARTICLE 19 therefore urges the Egyptian government to:
– prevent the intimidation of opposition and independent journalists and activists
– create a favourable environment where media can provide unhindered coverage of the elections and of any infringements
– protect opposition and independent candidates’ right to freedom of expression and to campaign without intimidation
– allow both local and international election monitors unhindered access
ARTICLE 19 notes with concern the continuing use of the emergency law to violate the rights of Egyptian citizens to assemble, express themselves and obtain information freely, and the right of the media to report without fear of intimidation or violence during the run-up to the election including:
– continued threats, intimidation and detention of journalists covering opposition rallies and censorship of independent newspapers;
– the targeting of protestors by security forces during the referendum and the presidential elections
– abuse of state and local resources in favour of pro-government candidates
ARTICLE 19 welcomes the government’s announcement to allow local NGOs to monitor the elections but stresses that this must not then be made subject to individual authorization by the government. ARTICLE 19 calls on the government to live up to the promises of the recent presidential campaign to usher Egypt into a more democratic future by promoting freedom of expression, and guaranteeing the right of the media to report freely on the election, the right of all political parties to access the media, and the right of citizens to receive full information on the electoral process and vote without interference.
