Whether the Mubarak regime is running scared because of the mounting challenges from within and without to hold a free and fair election, or is simply incapable of ridding the party of cheating as a way of life, the present signs do not bode well for next Wednesday’s polls. Meanwhile, Egyptians for the first time are experiencing the thrilling taste of defying tyranny, and enjoying some newly-found space for freedom.
不管穆巴拉克政权是在国内外要求自由和公平选举的风起云涌的挑战面前露了怯，还是不能刹住该党一贯盛行的舞弊之风，目前的迹象都让下周三即将进行的投票不容乐观。但与此同时，埃及人第一次尝到了挑战独裁的激动滋味，并正享受着一些新近得来的自由空间。