The Tala district in El-Menofya governorate is considered one of the most vibrant electoral districts. In this district political groups representing the opposition are varied, along with support for the National Democratic Party and the Muslim Brotherhood. Based on the aforesaid the upcoming parliamentary elections seem like a war. Everyone is waiting in anticipation to know exactly which candidates will represent RDP. It is predicted there may be some splits, but it is likely they will not be as major as expected.

The streets of Tala are already filled with flyers and electoral banners in support of NDP candidates, and candidates’ pictures are plastered across walls, buildings, and every other possible standing surface, despite election rules and procedures limiting candidates’ ability to distribute campaign materials early.  Looking at the streets of Tala, you will not find promotional materials of Mr. Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat (Farmer- independent), who is conscious of adherence to procedures; he has not distributed any promotional materials so far. Instead, Mr. Sadat is focused on making visits to communicate with his constituency, because he believes this is the best way to reach their minds and be close to their heart.

In an effort to focus on fair elections with impartial polling station operators, Mr. Sadat sent two letters to Counselor Abdul Aziz Omar, head of the Supreme Committee for Elections. In his letters, Mr. Sadat stresses on the criteria by which the Committee shall choose the subcommittee staff. Mr. Sadat also highlighted the importance of their neutrality and independence, so as not to be of the same constituency, members of local councils, or council staff, to avoid any of the staff working to conspire with the government for the sake of the ruling party.

Mr. Sadat also noted in his letters the importance of having a representative for each candidate in the electoral committees, pointing out the necessity of lodging the proxies of the delegates in the Registration Authority. Moreover, Mr. Sadat highlighted that these proxies should be issued as soon as possible and they will reach more than 200 proxies in each constituency for each candidate. Doing so will make each candidate capable of monitoring the electoral process and this will increase the guarantee of a fair election.

Based on the guidance of the President of the Republic and the Minister of Information & Head of Radio and Television, Mr. Sadat asked the Independent Committee within the Supreme Committee of Elections to give him the opportunity to appear in media, to present his program and his vision for Egypt. Mr. Sadat is eager to discuss his ideas, as this will be electoral propaganda in national television and newspapers. Informing citizens will encourage national unity, give the people a chance to live a healthy political life, and will create a better democratic atmosphere in light of the upcoming elections.

Today, November 3, 2010, Mr. Sadat submitted his parliamentarian nomination papers. These papers were received without any hindrance. Mr. Sadat is now waiting for the final acceptance of his submission, after they are revised by the authorities, to start his official campaign.

Media officer
Sally El-Baz

Cell Phone: 002 01233 53 476