Expressing the Sense of Congress with Respect to the 2005 Elections in Egypt

Floor Speech

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Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 284, a resolution expressing the sense of Congress with respect to the 2005 presidential and parliamentary elections in Egypt.

I consider myself a friend of Egypt and while I believe Egypt deserves praise and recognition for the steps toward democracy it has made this year by moving to a direct vote on the election for the office of President and the reforms that followed I must also, as a friend, express some disappointment and concern about missed opportunities.

Specifically, I was disappointed to see that more was not done to ensure that domestic election monitoring officials would be granted full access to polling and counting stations. I have also been disappointed to learn about the continued severe limitations placed on respected international election observing organizations to gain accreditation and reasonable access to polling and counting sites. The International Republican Institute, which had a team of international election experts on the ground for the recent parliamentary elections reported, ``The November 2005 parliamentary election process does not support the claim that Egypt is in a process of democratic transformation.''

Mr. Speaker, this resolution rightfully focuses Congress's attention on a number of different aspects of the electoral process in Egypt. While there are many areas where improvement is needed in Egypt, I would like to give credit to Egypt where credit is due. The International Republican Institute made the following assessment in the conclusion section of its ``2005 Parliamentary Election Assessment in Egypt'' about positive developments in the most recent round of elections:

Despite negative aspects of the 2005 Parliamentary elections, it is possible to highlight several notable achievements when compared with elections in the past. First, the role played by the domestic monitoring groups and the Judges' Club--as with the Presidential election--has been important, as elements of civil society begin to take a more active role in advocating for greater democratic freedom and pluralism.

In addition, between monitoring groups and independent media, the government has permitted a new level of scrutiny from the domestic and international community.

Several of IRI's delegates had spent time in Egypt in the late 1980's and early 1990's, and noted that the public debate about political reform and criticism of the ruling party and the government would have been unthinkable 10 or 15 years ago. The relative freedom with which state-run and independent press can debate these issues is an indicator of progress that should not go unmentioned.

In closing, I stand ready to support Egypt as it moves toward truly competitive democratic elections. This movement is rarely easy, and I will be among the first to recognize progress made by Egypt as it occurs.

I would also note that despite all shortcomings in the recent elections, Egypt--despite the work that needs to be done--remains a leader in the Middle East when it comes to democracy, its relationship with the United States, and its positive relationship with Israel. I believe it is, in fact, Egypt's close relationship with the United States that gives this Congress the responsibility to ensure that this relationship enhances the security, prosperity, and the democratic freedoms of both peoples.

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Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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