Egypt leads the way

Historic moments are profound and exhilarating in their nature.  And today, Egypt is experiencing its own moment in history.  It is the marking of a different future, a new course, an open path for the people of Egypt as they become part of that historic moment of deciding the future of their country.

Yet this moment in history does not belong to the Egyptian people alone. Instead, it is a collective one that is shared by the entire Arab world. The election is setting a precedent for the region in terms of transfer and sharing of power.  The age of 99.9 per cent election wins has become history as there is no room for such conformity.

In the first presidential election where the true voice of the people is given the opportunity of expression, the event is historic.  This is the first democratic election after the Arab Spring and the tumbling domino fall of so many dictators. And because of this, Egypt will unquestionably be the barometer that will indicate which winds of change will dominate the discourse — those advocating constructive efforts for a better society or those that bring about a negative aftermath. It is only the people of Egypt who will have the final say in what will be acceptable and what will not.

And it is this aspect of being part of the process, a dignity and a basic right, which will be the factor that marks the current election as being of significance.  Egypt is at a crossroad and with it the Arab world as well. 

If the future is to be built based on dreams, then Egypt will hold the mantle to lead the Arab world into it.  Only with time is it going to be evident whose will can usher in or obstruct real change for the people.