 |
Al-Ahram Weekly 23 - 29 September 1999 Issue No. 448 
|
||
Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
| ||
|
Al-Ahram Weekly 23 - 29 September 1999 Issue No. 448
|
||
| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
| ||
Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Comment Focus Special Features Profile Travel Living Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Taking stock
By Salama Ahmed Salama
As they manifested their support for the president in the past few weeks, the people voiced their aspirations for the future. Popular support for a fourth term adds yet another burden to the responsibilities of Mubarak's office. Forces from across the political spectrum, intellectuals and average Egyptians have all demanded reform as the means to accelerate the creation of a true democracy, the political system most compatible with economic reform.
The measures entailed by democratic reform have never been opposed by the president, but the timing of their introduction was subject to debate. Like economic reform, democratisation can proceed gradually. A framework for participation could be set up through the enactment of a law regulating elections, and the elimination of constraints upon the establishment of political parties. The constitution, too, may be amended in a sober, rational manner. Political reform is particularly important now, since past experience has revealed the loopholes riddling the electoral process, and often leading to corruption and fraud. Such shortcomings can be easily remedied.
Just as economic reform energised society, reform of the political system will foster the participation of the silent majority. As a first step in this direction, the president could relinquish his leadership of the NDP, thus guaranteeing an equal opportunity for other candidates. In this manner, furthermore, the president could no longer be held accountable for the party's shortcomings; at the same time, the NDP's monopoly of the presidency would come to an end.
The return to an electoral system comprising both a list of party candidates and nominees running on individual tickets is the best choice for our country. The people would thus be allowed to exercise their free choice; hooliganism, violence and fraud would end; and such a system would guarantee that pluralism is exercised fairly. Underrepresented groups such as Copts and women would also have a chance to express their political will. Such a system would minimise state intervention aimed at guaranteeing the victory of certain candidates.
No political reform, however, can be complete without a total overhaul of the media. A state-dominated media is the worst enemy of any democracy, regardless of the number of satellite dishes a country boasts. This is all the more true when its cadres lack both political awareness and professional efficiency. The Ministry of Information must be abolished, and all television channels privatised except one, which can serve as the government's mouthpiece. A supreme council representing a broad spectrum of trends and specialisations must be entrusted with the supervision of broadcasting. The council would be authorised to act as a watchdog on ethical and moral issues, and to grant licences in accordance with a set of clear-cut controls. Radio and television should be governed by the same law as the press, and subject to the same penalties that apply to publication crimes.
The press law also needs to be revised and the freedom to publish newspapers in accordance with market forces guaranteed. State-owned newspapers must be privatised; journalists convicted of publication crimes must not be incarcerated; and fines or compensation payments should be introduced as a disincentive to libel and slander. Such measures should neither stifle freedom of opinion and expression, nor compromise the press's role in exercising vigilance.
Of course, President Mubarak cannot fulfil all our hopes and aspirations by waving a magic wand. He has the next best thing, however: will, integrity, wisdom and insight. Above all, he enjoys the trust of the people. They, in turn, must work with him to guarantee a better future.
