Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmad Nazeef admitted on Tuesday that ”mistakes” took place during last week’s constitutional referendum, according to the Middle East News Agency (Mena).
”The mistakes and violations that accompanied the referendum process may affect Egypt’s image abroad, particularly among foreign investors who had praised Egypt’s political stability. These violations may have a negative effect on this image,” Nazeef was quoted as saying by Cabinet spokesperson Magdi Radi.
Nazeef’s comments constitute the first official admission that ”mistakes” occurred against activists and journalists during last week’s referendum.
Earlier on Tuesday, the secretary general of the ruling National Democratic Party, Safwat al-Sherif, said his party made a decision not to comment on ”the regrettable incidents” while these are being investigated by the public prosecutor.
”Nevertheless, the general secretariat office condemns any attempt to attack any citizen regardless of his or her motives, or those who committed them. These are considered a violation of freedom of opinion and expression,” Mena quoted Sherif as saying.
Activists from the Kefaya (Enough) movement — including many women — were attacked by security forces and pro-regime demonstrators last week.
Several women, including lawyers, university professors and journalists, said they were attacked and sexually harassed.
On Wednesday, two groups of women activists are expected to rally in protest of ”police brutality and sexual harassment against women”.
One group, the Association of Egyptian Mothers — which insists it is not related to Kefaya — urged people to wear black and demanded the resignation of Interior Minister Habib Adli.
Another group, comprising women from the Kefaya movement, was organising a rally for Wednesday and distributing white ribbons, also as a sign of protest.
Last week, 83% of Egyptian voters said yes to a constitutional change to allow more than one candidate to run for presidential elections.
Opposition parties boycotted the referendum, saying the conditions imposed on independent candidates made it impossible to get a fair chance in elections. — Sapa-DPA