Under the 1971 constitution, amended in 1980, Egypt is an Arab Republic with a socialist-democratic system. The constitution states that there should be no discrimination on the grounds of race or religion. The country is divided into 26 governorates, with governors appointed by the president. There is universal suffrage with a voting age of 18.The executive power rests with the president, who is elected by universal suffrage for a six-year term (and may be re-elected), having been nominated by at least one-third of the People's Assembly and approved by at least two-thirds.The president may take emergency measures, but these must be approved by a referendum within 60 days; he may also dissolve the People's Assembly (the legislative body) prematurely, but a referendum, and elections, must be held within 60 days.
President Hosni Mubarak
Egypt 's head of state, came into power in 1981, following the assassination of former president, Anwar El Sadat. Mubarak was the Commandor in Chief of the Air Force in the 1973 Arab Israeli war and his last post before assuming presidency was Vice-President to President El Sadat. President Hosni Mubarak was re-elected in September 1999 to a fourth 6-year term.
The Egyptian Constitution grants the President the authority to appoint one or more Vice Presidents, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and Egypt 's 26 provincial governors. The president is supreme commander of the armed forces and head of the police.Mr. Mubarak does not have a vice- president, however, the constitution provides for a systematic transfer of power in the absence of an appointee, until normal elections can be held.
Cabinet Reshuffles
During 2001, some cabinet reshuffles took place starting with the appointment of Mr. Ahmed Maher as Minister of Foreign Affairs to replace Mr. Amr Moussa who was appointed as Secretary General of the Arab League. Then towards the end of the year, President Mubarak appointed new ministers for the ministries of Industry and Technological Development, Environment, State for Foreign Affairs and Planning. The Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade was renamed as the Ministry of Foreign Trade and continued to supervise the operations of the Capital Market Authority.Political Issues Affecting Business Climate: There have been no confirmed terrorist incidents in Egypt since November 1997, attributable at handle
least in part to the concerted, successful Egyptian Government counter-terrorist campaign. Previously, extremist groups have staged attacks on Egyptian Government officials, security forces, and tourists. While terrorist attacks do not pose a credible threat to Egypt 's government, they do pose a potential threat to the business climate and Egypt 's vital tourist industry. Nevertheless, terrorism has receded since the Luxor incident in November 1997 and an active security presence is evident throughout the country.
|
