UPDATE 2-Egypt party backs Mubarak again, son a possibility

Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:04pm GMT

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* National Democratic Party would back 2011 candidacy

* Secretary-general says decision is for president to make

* Party official says Gamal could be potential candidate

* Official doubts Islamists will do well in parliament race

(Adds remarks about parliament vote, Brotherhood prospects, paragraphs 11-13)

By Yasmine Saleh and Dina Zayed

CAIRO, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Egypt's ruling party backs veteran President Hosni Mubarak, 82, for another term if he seeks one next year, officials said on Wednesday, while adding that his son Gamal could also be among possible future candidates.

The remarks were consistent with positions the party has taken in the past, but statements that hint at succession plans are being scrutinised more closely than ever as the election looms, and after persistent rumours about Mubarak's health.

Mubarak, in power since 1981, has not said if he will seek a new term. If he does not, the most common view is that his politician son, 46, would be backed by the establishment to run. Continued...

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