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Members of Mubarak’s party can run in the 28 November election
Egypt’s Supreme Administrative Court overturns a decision of a lower court. Pro-democracy parties protest the decision. The National Democratic Party was banned on 16 April following youth protests in Tahrir Square.
Cairo (AsiaNews/ Agencies) – Members of Hosni Mubarak’s National Democratic Party (NDP) can run for office, Egypt’s Supreme Administrative Court ruled today, overturning an earlier decision by the Administrative Court in the city of Mansoura, which had banned six NDP members from registering as candidates. Officials from pro-democracy parties created during anti-regime protests in Tahrir Square protested the decision, announcing more mass action if additional NDP members are allowed to run.
“Although the decisions of the Supreme Administrative Court cannot be overturned, we shall fight to ensure that all corrupt officials are barred from politics,” said Injy Hamdi, a spokesman for the April 6th Youth Movement.
Dozens of members of Egypt’s former strongman are still running for office, as independents or in other parties. The dissolution of the NDP, which occurred on 16 April, last, was one of the demands of demonstrators during the Jasmine Revolution.
All NDP assets were seized and placed under the trusteeship of the Supreme Military Council.
Established in 1978, the party ruled the country for 30 years through electoral fraud and the banning of opposition parties.
Mubarak, his sons and other party officials are presently on trial for corruption and human rights violations.