"Change" and real change

By Salama A Salama

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There is the change we fantasise about, as if it were a magic wand, unlikely to go beyond cosmetic modifications, and there is real change, one that re-makes the system and leads to meaningful public participation, genuine civil society, commitment to law and democracy.

The Arab world is passing through a critical moment. It stands on the brink of a democratic change, one dictated by domestic as well as external circumstance. But the moment may slip away, leaving frustration to fester, leaving nations in the region in despair. This would be the case if the political elite calling for democracy and modernisation fails to achieve its objective; if it is stymied by a cabal of neo- conservatives bent on hindering political and democratic reform. The neo- conservatives are always ready with excuses, ranging from resolving the Middle East conflict to combating extremism and terror, to educating the nation first -- the latter task can last for all eternity for all they care.

There are people who benefit from the current stagnation, from the political decay, the widespread corruption and the inefficacy of the state apparatus. These people want to turn the clock back, resist the infusion of new blood into key positions, hoping to stay in power indefinitely. In the absence of democratic mechanisms for replacement and rotation, these people will maintain their network of consolidated interests and go on resisting change forever. If we are serious about change or reform, the first thing to do would be to remove the neo-conservatives from power.

Over the past few months, the neo-conservatives have succeeded in derailing political life in Egypt, undermining all efforts for change. The dialogue that the ruling National Democratic Party called for following the its congress in September has failed. After extensive discussions between the opposition parties and NDP officials, it became obvious that the ossified cadres of the ruling party oppose the amendment of the constitution, the reform of election law and the introduction of political and civil liberties.

A reform document was drafted in Alexandria containing a comprehensive framework for political reform in the Arab world. The document was nothing but a false spring, one in which not one flower bloomed. Three months later, nothing is left from the rhetoric aside from false beginnings and short circuits.

The National Council on Human Rights fared no better. The council's formation was greeted as a sign of hope. But slow procedures, faltering steps and a heavy- handed government approach combined to hold the council back, prevent it from coming up with tangible decisions, from telling the public at last that "yes, there is a difference."

The Shura Council elections were icing on the cake. The NDP ran against itself. With few exceptions, the candidates were heavyweight businessmen, individuals who seek parliamentary immunity for non- political reasons. The turnout was no more than three to five per cent of voters, in elections costing the treasury over LE60 million.

Cosmetic change is not enough. What we need is a real change of structures, visions and mentalities. We need a change that has a binding, constitutional framework; that incorporates all political forces, that encourages the young, alienated and disaffected to go back to the political life they have shunned for years. In a society like ours, where religion has a commanding presence, a formula has to be found to incorporate moderate Islam in the democratic process. Unless we do that, the rhetoric of reform will remain scribbling in the sand, blown away by the wind with every rising sun.