Hosni Mubarak

The announcement followed increasing opposition calls within Egypt for political reform, and Iraqi and Palestinian elections that brought a taste of democracy to the region. It also came amid a dispute with the United States over Egypt's arrest of one of the strongest proponents of multicandidate elections.

Egypt has not held multiparty presidential elections since its 1952 revolution deposed the monarchy. Instead, it holds referendums every six years in which people vote "yes" or "no" for a single candidate who has been approved by Parliament.

The Japan Times Weekly: March 5, 2005
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