White House wants free Egypt election

WASHINGTON - The White House on Thursday called for a free election campaign prior to Egypt's September poll.
"It's important to -- for those candidates to be able to have an active campaign and speak freely about their candidacies, so that the people have an opportunity to freely choose their leader," White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters.
He added that President George W. Bush will receive Egypt's Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif on May 18 at the White House.
"I expect they will discuss a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including the president's efforts to promote democratic reform, achieve peace in the Middle East and advance the war on terrorism," McClellan said.
Egypt's parliament, facing mounting calls for reform, approved a constitutional change Tuesday that allows multiple candidates to stand in presidential polls for the first time, paving the way for a referendum on the amendment on May 25.
Last week in Riga, Bush called for international observers during the upcoming election, but was rebuffed by the son of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

05/12/2005 21:25 GMT