WASHINGTON — The United States pledged on Monday to support free and fair parliamentary elections in Egypt later this month, after Egyptian human rights groups warned of political crackdowns on the opposition.
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“The United States remains committed to supporting free and impartial elections in Egypt,” State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters, holding the Egyptian government to its own commitment to “fair and transparent elections.”
“We welcome the government of Egypt’s stated commitment to expand political participation and ensure free and transparent elections, including facilitating domestic monitoring by civil society groups.”
The spokesman called on Egypt to ensure peaceful political gatherings, unhindered voter education and participation campaigns, as well as balanced media coverage for all candidates.
“An open electoral process would include a credible and impartial mechanism for reviewing election-related complaints, a domestic election observation effort according to international standards and the presence of international observers,” Crowley added. |