Statement by U.S. Congressman David Dreier, Egyptian Presidential Elections Witness

June 17, 2012

U.S. Congressman David Dreier visits polling station in Cairo

“For the first time in history, the Egyptian people have democratically elected their president.   Egypt has made tremendous strides over the past 18 months; no one in January 2011 could have predicted that the Egyptian people would soon be in a position to determine their own destiny through the ballot box.   As I visited dozens of polling stations over the past two days, I have been deeply inspired by the voters’ enthusiasm for exercising their right to vote.   Elections are never perfect, but the voters I met have been pleased with and proud of the process.

The long road to democracy is difficult, often painful and never complete.    In the United States, we have pursuing this ideal for 223 years.   Free and fair elections are an integral part of any healthy democracy, but just as important are the respect for individual freedoms, tolerance and equal treatment of all citizens, including minorities and women.   It is also important for citizens to respect the results of free and fair elections.  

The American people will continue to stand by Egypt as it moves along the path to democracy.  I look forward to congratulating and working with the next president of Egypt.”

###