Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Egypt's 'Last Pharaoh' Hosni Mubarak Re-Elected President
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=EEE267:3919ACA

Hosni Mubarak has ruled virtually unchallenged for 24 years, being
returned to office every six years in referendums in which he was the
only candidate





Hosni MubarakHosni Mubarak assumed Egypt's presidency in 1981,
succeeding President Anwar Sadat following his assassination by
Islamic radicals.

Mr. Mubarak, sometimes referred to as "the boss" or "the last
Pharaoh," has ruled virtually unchallenged for 24 years, being
returned to office every six years in referendums in which he was the
only candidate.

In February, he ordered parliament to amend the constitution to allow
the country's first multi-candidate presidential election.

Critics say the 77-year-old leader of the ruling National Democratic
Party is responsible for high unemployment and the absence of
political and economic reforms. But supporters say Egypt, under his
leadership, has enjoyed more than two decades of relative peace in an
otherwise turbulent region.

Before entering politics, Mr. Mubarak rose through the ranks of the
air force until he took command of the service in 1972. He later
served as Egypt's vice president before assuming the presidency.