The White House registered its frustration today with results of Egypt's recently concluded parliamentary elections, stating on Tuesday that “the United States is disappointed with the conduct during and leading up to Egypt's November 28 legislative elections.” Several human rights NGOs expressed similar sentiments on Monday, asserting that elections had been marred by systematic violence, bribery, vote rigging and other cases of electoral fraud. The White House described as “worrying” the “numerous reported irregularities," including “the lack of international monitors and the many problems encountered by domestic monitors, and the restrictions on the basic freedoms of association, speech and press.” The statement comes on the heels of media reports that Washington is considering a series of measures aimed at promoting political reform in Egypt in advance of upcoming presidential elections slated for late next year. The White House reasserted its “longstanding partnership with the people of Egypt rooted in common interests and shared values.” It went on to express optimism that the United States would continue working with Egypt towards achieving the latter's “political, social and economic aspirations consistent with international standards.” The sincerity of Washington's stated commitment to promoting democracy in the Middle East was challenged earlier this year by certain political analysts, who asserted that the US had quietly abandoned its earlier objective--pursued during the previous administration of President George W. Bush--of seeking to bolster democracy in the region. Such doubts were reinforced following unexpectedly strong electoral showings by Islamist movements in Egyptian and Palestinian legislative elections in 2005 and 2006.
