Egypt: The referendum on the constitution

June 30 last year saw an unprecedented act of mass civic engagement by around 30 million Egyptians who took to the streets to call for a new transitional government and stood against tyranny, extreme economic collapse, civil strife and blatant nepotism. Subsequently, the transitional government, with the support of the public, enacted the Road Map, comprising three integral interim steps. It first stipulates the drafting of the constitution, followed by a national referendum. With this in place, the Road Map calls for parliamentary elections, followed by the final step – presidential elections. With these three pillars, Egypt – with a solid constitution and balanced, representative governmental branches – can begin a full-fledged and fruitful reconstruction process.

The Road Map has, however, been met with scepticism from select members of the international community. Two perspectives are driving the backlash. Certain nations have doubts over the Egyptian government’s ability to abide by pre-set timetables, while others are pursuing their own geopolitical interests, with positive upside exposure should the Road Map fail. 

In contrast, the referendum is an undoubted illustration of the transitional government’s ability to deliver and abide by the Road Map timetable. Despite the doubts, the country has remained faithful to the Road Map, drafting a constitution written by the Egyptian people for the Egyptian people.

To better understand the value of the referendum, we must examine the elements of the constitution. Unlike its predecessor, which was forced through a questionable committee of 100 members on November 30, 2012, the current draft is hailed as a landmark achievement for women and children’s rights (see Articles 11, 80 and 180), an illustration of checks and balance (Articles 159 and 161, related to presidential impeachment and withdrawal of confidence, and Article 234 stipulating the approval process and limitations for defence ministers), an illustration of freedom of belief and expression (Articles 64 and 65), the right to organise public meetings, marches, demonstrations and all forms of peaceful protests (Article 73), and a foundation for non-violence (Articles 52 and 89 banning all forms of torture and trafficking). These articles, along with many others in the current draft constitution, are a by-product of a committee of 50 individuals representing the diversity of Egypt’s population, and illustrate the adoption of democratic values from the onset.

With the constitution in place, the Road Map calls for parliamentary, followed by presidential, elections. This order, even if altered, allows elections to occur within a transparent legal framework and provides time for the political players to prepare their respective election platforms and ideologies for the public.

Egypt has witnessed an upsurge in elections since the January 25 Revolution; yet, these have not been in vain, as gradually the Egyptian public has begun to understand the attributes of a true democracy. Elections and political parties do not underpin a democratic nation. On the contrary, it is the need to analyse and question parties’ ideologies and platforms, the right to hold the government accountable, the realisation of the value of one’s voice, and, above all, the active participation in the materialisation of a better tomorrow.

The completion of these two sets of elections would mark the end of the Road Map, the end of the transition, and the true beginning of the Egyptian People’s Revolution. For, in reality, there cannot be a trough without a peak, hardship without success, or sadness without joy. As history has repeatedly taught us, there cannot be a successful social uprising without a true reconstruction phase; one that requires the perseverance of the people, the investment of business, the ideas of leaders and, above all, the patience and pride of the masses. 

It is because our revolution has spanned a long curve that any progress is met with scepticism from members of the international community. The loudest response is to repeatedly succeed, uniting as citizens and adhering to the timetable set out in the Road Map and the challenges brought forth by the Revolution.

I believe that the Egyptian people’s sincere and persistent commitment, since 2011, to promote the rejuvenation of a democratic political system and a representative government will undoubtedly provide the foundation for sustainable prosperity and happiness in Egypt. 

June 30 is an illustration of the pride and civic engagement of the Egyptian people. It is a representation of the government’s ability to understand the public’s concerns and translate them into a tangible plan. 

Starting with the constitutional referendum, 2014 will hopefully be a year of successful endeavours and fruitful developments, ushering a brighter and stronger tomorrow for Egypt.

 

ISMAIL KHAIRAT is Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of Thailand.