Egypt's ruling party said Wednesday that it will back 82-year-old Hosni Mubarak if he decides run for another term as president in 2011, even though Mr. Mubarak has yet to say whether he will seek another term.
Egypt's state-run MENA news agency quotes National Democratic Party leader Safwat Sherif as saying his party is just waiting for President Mubarak's decision on whether he will run again in 2011.
The 82-year-old leader has ruled Egypt for nearly 30 years. There has been speculation about his health and whether he will again seek office since his gallbladder surgery in March.
Also, many political experts believe Mr. Mubarak is grooming his son, Gamal, to take over.
Mr. Mubarak and his son have both denied any succession plan, but the Reuters news agency quotes one party official as saying Gamal Mubarak could be a candidate, along with others in the 2011 contest.
Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.