Egyptians went to the polls yesterday to endorse the only candidate in their country's presidential referendum: the incumbent, President Hosni Mubarak.
In three previous referendums, which have been held every six years, Mr Mubarak has garnered around 95 per cent of the vote and Sunday's result, due out today, is unlikely to be much different. But despite the foregone conclusion, the state apparatus spared no effort in publicising the event.
"Yes to Mubarak", proclaimed banners throughout the capital. Businessmen and members of the political establishment took out full-page ads in newspapers, vowing their loyalty to the "great leader".
The largely state-controlled media were filled with paeans to the 71-year-old former air force pilot, listing his accomplishments over the past 18 years as President. These include marked improvements in Egypt's creaking infrastructure, higher life expectancy, increased economic growth (between 5 and 6 per cent in recent years) and a rise in per capita income from $427 in 1981 to $1,410 today.
In addition, he has presided over the near-defeat of a violent Islamist movement that has killed about 1,200 people since 1992.
He is appreciated in the West as a solid, if uncharismatic, leader who has championed the Middle East peace process and stood by the US in the Gulf War.
Less frequently mentioned is the steady erosion of civil liberties in Egypt under his rule. Since he came into power following the assassination of President Sadat by Islamist militants in 1981, emergency laws have governed the country, and were last renewed in 1997. Under them an estimated 15,000 people are currently in administrative detention.
Military tribunals, which human rights groups charge with grossly unfair procedures, have been used to try civilians, mostly alleged terrorists, at least 68 of whom have been executed without right to appeal. Whether or not the President will bring about any significant changes during his coming term remains to be seen. Previous referendums have been followed by cabinet shuffles, and one is widely expected in the coming weeks.