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Al-Ahram Weekly 26 Aug. - 1 Sep. 1999 Issue No. 444 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 26 Aug. - 1 Sep. 1999 Issue No. 444
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Focus Culture Features Profile Travel Living Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Working for democracy
By Mohamed El-Sayed Said *
The trends of the past decade have frustrated all hopes for democracy. Rumour has it that the beginning of President Mubarak's fourth term in office will witness the reversal of these trends. Reforms consolidating fundamental freedoms and initiating a general improvement in the political atmosphere are predicted.
It is said that the president will begin a new national dialogue, possibly far better structured than the previous round. By the end of this dialogue, a number of reforms will be introduced to promote democracy. It is also said that these reforms will emphasise political participation.
It is too early to rule out these rumours, however pleasant they may sound. Still, there is no hard evidence that democratisation will progress in the coming months or even years unless the political community as well as civil society work toward its advancement.
Democracy is not and should not be granted from above. The political community and civil society have to work hard. There is so much to be carried out before the next general elections, at least at the level of political awareness and institution building. Learning and assimilating habits of democracy is also another arena for reforming the political community. A central issue, in this context, is salvaging the reputation of political parties, whose age is beginning to show. Regaining the confidence of society hinges on ending senility of thought, not just bringing in younger staff. A long list of duties that indicate the political community's seriousness in its bid for democracy will be tested in the next general elections.
*This week's Soapbox speaker is deputy director of the Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies.
