Balancing the equation

The ruling military council in Egypt has decided to draft a new constitution before transferring power to civilians.With presidential elections expected to be held in June, the street activists are likely to respond strongly to this development.

Published: Tue 28 Feb 2012, 8:41 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 11:50 AM

One thing is for sure, it will spark anger among secular groups and pro-democracy activists who have been targeting the army for holding onto power. Many fear that the powerful generals will try their best to retain control, or at least constitutionally accord themselves a significant role in government. But it is not only these clauses that are the source of contention. With the phased polls having turned in favour of the Islamist parties including the Muslim Brotherhood, the issue is Article 2 of the constitution. Though the Article says that Sharia is the main source of legislation, many Islamist parties want Sharia to be made the only source of legislation. Secularists oppose this and fears abound of some sort of deal between the army and the Muslim Brotherhood that will allow both to achieve some of their objectives.

A panel of 100 including politicians, legal experts, professionals and academics is to be selected for drafting the new constitution. Once the draft is agreed it will be put to vote through a national referendum. All this is to be completed before the June vote.

It was precisely because of these points that the generals were being pressured to relinquish office and head back to the barracks.

The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future map of the country’s political destiny. Continued protests and violence even after Mubarak’s ouster have more or less paralysed the economy. Tourism, a major revenue earning industry, has suffered the most.

The Egyptians need to realise that their objectives cannot be met all at once. A democratic process will also require one group or the other to make concessions and integrate interests for the sake of the country. Then of course they have the choice to determine what they want through the ballot. Occupying Tahrir and turning to violence is not the way forward. It is hoped that both the military and Egypt’s political parties are committed enough to put their interests aside and work together in a peaceful manner.