Egypt’s ruling party leaders resign, army tries to reassert

The dissolution of Egypt's ruling party on Saturday was a strong attempt by the country's National Democratic Party to placate the thousands of protestors demanding an end to the current Mubarak regime.

The street demonstrations that started on January 25, 2011, was focused on the country's legal and political issues like the state of emergency law, lack of free speech, police brutality and high unemployment rate. The protestors have been calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak and enforcement of new democratic reforms.

However, the stepping down of the ruling party on Saturday has been viewed by the opposition as nothing but a superficial attempt to wear down the movement.

For around three decades, Hosni Mubarak has ruled Egypt and even though protestors and international calls urged him to step aside, he refused to do so. In his speech on February 1, Mubarak stated that This dear nation... is where I lived; I fought for it and defended its soil, sovereignty and interests. On its soil I will die. History will judge me like it did others.

However, later he proclaimed that he did not intend to run for another term in the next election and would only stay in office to ensure a peaceful transition to the next election, set for September 2011. He also promised to enforce political reforms in the country.

The Obama administration has also emphasized on an orderly transition to democracy in Egypt. Obama said that the only thing that will work now is an orderly transition process that begins right now, that engages all the parties that lead to democratic practices, fair and free elections, a representative government that is responsive to the grievances of the Egyptian people.

He also stated that the current situation demands a transition that is effective and lasting and legitimate.

During the same time, the Egyptian army has started to regain control of the country particularly around Tahrir Square in Cairo, where protestors have been fighting to keep up their campaigns.