Word: referendums
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...election indicate that Mubarak won hands-down, but the importance of the country?s first-ever multiparty presidential vote was that after decades of authoritarian rule, Egyptians were actually offered a choice of contenders for the top office. (Mubarak?s four previous six-year terms were affirmed by referendum rather than in competitive elections.) Although the turnout was low, many like Badawi sought to make full use of the newly sanctioned right to cast ballots for an opposition candidate. Instead of receiving the 99% or so approval he routinely received in the referendums on his presidency, Mubarak was expected...
...Iraqi constitution has been accepted by the Iraqi National Assembly - but not, presumably a "final, final draft" as negotiations appear to be continuing in the hope of securing Sunni support - some form of the charter is set to go before the Iraqi people for an Oct. 15 referendum. It was pushed through over Sunni Arab objections to "federalism," which they say will spell the dismemberment of Iraq. A process that was to showcase Iraq's unity and bring disgruntled Sunnis into the political process has instead deepened divisions and stoked distrust...
...commands the loyalty of millions of poor Shi'ites in Baghdad and across the south. Al-Sadr has spoken out against federalism and is involved in a power struggle with the major Shi'ite party backing the constitution. But thus far, he has kept his intentions in the referendum to himself, and is being courted by all sides...
...Mubarak's Abdeen speech was not another lecture from a dictator, but an appeal from a politician for the votes of citizens. For the first time in Egypt's history, the President faced not a yes-no referendum on his presidency, in which he'd be assured of 99% or so of the tally, but a contest in which he had to defend his record before the citizenry against rival candidates. Mubarak has been hop-scotching around the country, telling crowds, "I stand before you asking for your endorsement." Close on his heels, nine challengers have been giving raucous speeches...
...Jaafari and his ministers are safe in office for the moment. But the rage generated by the stampede could hurt the government on Oct. 15, when Iraqis hold a referendum on the highly contentious new constitution. The dominant Shi'ite parties may find it a hard sell to a populace angered by official ineptitude and callousness...