Supporters of current Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak attend a campaign gathering in Cairo. (Xinhua Photo)

    CAIRO, Aug. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Egyptian presidential candidates kicked off their campaigning on Wednesday by unveiling their plans for the country's future.

    President Hosni Mubarak, candidate of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), said that he would work to win the trust of the Egyptian voters in a written speech, a copy of which was obtained by Xinhua.

    "I will work hard to earn the trust and support of each and every one of you," Mubarak said.

    "I extend my hand out to the people of Egypt in the provinces,in the cities, and in the towns, asking for their endorsement so wemay embark together on this upcoming phase of our journey," the incumbent president appealed.

    He vowed to continue the political reform in Egypt, enhancing parliament's oversight and ensuring the independence of the judiciary.

Incumbent Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak addresses a campaign meeting.

    The veteran Egyptian leader also said he would push ahead with Egypt's economic reform to improve the lives of common Egyptians."I pledge that I will secure a better standard of living foreach citizen and that I will address the daily problems that they face," he said.

    Meanwhile, opposition New al-Wafd party called on voters to exercising their right and vote to ensure a fair and transparent election.

    New al-Wafd is one of the oldest parties in Egypt, which nominated its leader Noaman Gomaa as candidate.In addition to Mubarak and Gomaa, there are eight other candidates including Al Ghad party leader Ayman Nur, the pro-reform contender.

    The campaigning period will end on Sept. 4, three days before the polling day which is set on Sept. 7, when voters for the first time will be able to choose their country's leader from more thanone candidate through direct secret balloting.

    If no candidate wins at least 51 percent of the votes, a second round of voting will be held on Sept. 17. Enditem