Building Egypt civil society on sound footing

The recent developments with regards to the presidential elections in Egypt are reflective of the critical phase the country is going through. How this stage is handled and addressed will be crucial to the future of the country. And to ensure building a sound basis for civil society, all groups have to work towards the same goal — building the structure of a transparent and democratic society.

The country's administrative court has taken the decision recently to suspend the 100-member constitutional assembly, which was responsible for drafting a new national constitution. This decision comes within the context of the Muslim Brotherhood winning a majority in the recent parliamentary elections. The injunction no doubt would delay the submission of a much-needed constitution, as the power of the new head of state and the structure of power distribution needs to be clarified.

There was much debate and reservations raised by various groups that a crucial panel was being dominated by Islamists. The greatest concerns were brought forward by the groups that have been integral during the demonstrations that brought down the previous regime. There is no question that there is much validity to the points highlighted with regards to the role of the panel. This is being said given the fact that many Islamists, including Muslim Brotherhood members, have made statements indicating the direction which the constitution would take and the framework that would define the balance of power. Not only had their position been biased against one group but more alarmingly, it disregarded all the other factions and groups. Going forward, Egypt will need all parties to be included in the political course. A process that excludes any group is invalid. After all, democratic practice is built on what all the people want and not a select few.