Referendum Rather than Election

PM Nazif is straight about it; this is not going to be an election. AP describes it as a “rare burst of openness.” Suzi sweet, they don’t know Ahmed Nazif. He remains diplomatic over the issue of international monitors though. Catch 22: Allowing election observers would embarrass Egypt once the dirty practises are exposed. Rejecting the observers would indicate something is wrong. Here’s a money quote on Al-Jazeera:

“Rejection would be seen as an admission that Egyptian elections do not meet
international standards. Acceptance could expose electoral practices that human
rights groups say include stuffing ballot boxes, arresting opposition organisers
and using police to intimidate voters.”