IPU calls for immediate return to democracy in Egypt

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President calls on Thursday for immediate return to democracy in Egypt and the forthwith restoring of the democratic institutions. "IPU advocates for the establishment of a strong parliament that is fully representative of Egyptian society. It calls on the interim authorities to immediately organize free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections while upholding the rule of law and defending an impartial judiciary", said the IPU in a press release from its headquarters in Geneva. "Time and again over the last two years the Egyptian people have demonstrated their desire to live in a democratic society, able to enjoy individual and collective freedoms and to take part in all aspects of public life. Their aspirations must be respected at all costs," stated IPU President Abdelwahad Radi. IPU has been working with Egypt since 2011 on a strategic programme to enhance and restructure the parliament's secretariat. "IPU remains committed to providing assistance and support to the Egyptian Parliament. We urge Egypt not to stray from the path of establishing a genuine democracy in the country as soon as possible," added Radi. As the global organization of parliaments, IPU works to establish democracy, peace and cooperation among peoples. Established in 1889, it is the world's oldest international political organization and the focal point for worldwide parliamentary dialogue. It brings together 162 Member Parliaments and ten associate regional assemblies.