Soapbox:

Unity begets reform

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By Abdel-Ghaffar Shukr

Democracy is the right of the nation to choose and change its rulers through fair and free elections. When this right is taken away, when power no longer rotates, when the nation's voice is stifled, the outcome is gloomy. Under despotism, wealth is squandered and economies fall behind. When the nation ceases to decide the course of the political process, corruption spreads and national independence is jeopardised.

This is why political reform has been a popular demand in Egypt since the mid-1970s. Today, people from across the political spectrum agree on the need to achieve the following objectives: first, the abrogation of emergency law; second, election of the president from a multiplicity of candidates; third, the freedom to form political parties; fourth, independence of trade unions and NGOs from the government; fifth, access by all political and intellectual currents to mass media; and sixth, a fair distribution of income, coupled with the protection of vulnerable sections of society.

It is one thing to make a demand and another to see it through. The implementation of a reform programme requires unity among those who seek reform. Right now, the forces calling for reform don't seem able to act in harmony, or create the momentum that is needed. These forces have to start acting in unison, reaching out to the public. They need to inspire and motivate the masses. Unless a front of democratic forces is formulated, it would be hard to generate the critical mass needed for change. Unless a front of activists and politicians, writers and common people is formed, and unless such a front succeeds in rallying the public behind its cause, political reform will remain a mirage.

This week's Soapbox speaker is a leading member of the Tagammu' Party.