Egyptian state television and the private Al-Mehwar satellite television station have both refused to broadcast promotional advertisements for the Wafd opposition party's parliamentary candidates. Plans for the ad campaign were announced by Wafd Party head Al-Sayed al-Badawi at a press conference last week. According to Wafd Party spokesman Mohamed Mostafa Shardi, the Dream, Rotana and Panorama Drama satellite television channels have also refused to run the ads, even though Egyptian state television is currently broadcasting campaign ads for the ruling National Democratic Party. "For a private television station such as Al-Mehwar to refuse to broadcast our campaign ads is one thing," he said. "But it's another thing for state television--which is paid for by taxpayers--to refuse to run our ads." "It's an indication that upcoming parliamentary elections will not be dealt with in a fair manner," Shardi added. According to Shardi, the ad campaign promotes membership in the party and includes campaign slogans such as “Competition is in your own best interest,” and “Change is real--Join the Wafd." Wafd Party officials reportedly plan on holding a meeting to discuss the issue, where they will recommend that a general assembly be convened to review the party's decision to field candidates in next month's parliamentary elections. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
