Violence criticised as Egypt votes yes for electoral reform

A NATIONWIDE referendum to open the way for Egypt’s first multi-candidate presidential elections passed overwhelmingly, officials announced yesterday, a day after the balloting, which was marred by police beatings of protesters.

In Washington, a White House spokesperson denounced Wednesday’s violence and said there was “no excuse” for beating demonstrators during the voting that President Hosni Mubarak had called a crucial step toward democracy.

Mr Mubarak, who has led Egypt for 24 years, will now face unprecedented opposition if he runs, as expected, for a fifth term in September.

But critics say the constitutional change, which allows candidates to put their names on the ballot only with approval from Mubarak’s party, is a sham.

Official results showed 83% of voters approved the constitutional changes. Turnout was 54% of registered voters - a figure the Interior Ministry said was higher than in any previous presidential referendum.

A high turnout was important to the government, which has sought to portray opposition groups as a vocal minority out of touch with most Egyptians.

Mr Mubarak’s opponents, both Islamic and secular, have complained the constitutional changes won’t lead to greater democracy as the government maintains.

Instead, they say it lays down rules that ensure the ruling party’s grip is strong.

Six opposition groups, including the popular Muslim Brotherhood, had urged voters to boycott the balloting.

White House press secretary Scott McClellan denounced the beating of protesters during the vote.

“We’re very aware of the reports,” Mr McClellan said.

“There is no excuse for attacks on peaceful demonstrators.”

Asked specifically about women being beaten, Mr McClellan said: “Anyone who attacks peaceful demonstrators should be arrested and tried. That’s our view.”

Plain clothes government agents beat protesters, then watched as supporters of Mr Mubarak punched other demonstrators.

Female protesters in particular seemed to be targeted for beatings by both plain clothes state security agents and pro-Mubarak supporters, according to several witnesses and Associated Press reporters at the scenes.