Decades on

By Abul-Ela Madi

---

Political reform and democracy have been the subject of heated debate in this country for at least two decades. In February 1987 opposition parties and groups held a conference in Cairo calling for the abrogation of the emergency law, state security courts, the law on practising political rights, the law on political parties, and the rest of what was at the time dubbed "ill-reputed legislation". The conference proposals were eventually published in 1991 in a booklet, The Constitution We Demand, with a preface by former Education Minister Helmi Murad.

In 1994 Egypt's professional syndicates held two conferences on national dialogue and civil society. As a result a committee was formed to draft a national reconciliation document. The document was completed in 1995 and signed by leading opposition figures, including Fouad Serageddin, Khaled Mohieddin, and myself.

The above should make it clear that the issue of reform is indigenous, and refute claims that it is something inspired by outsiders. The demands for reform are simple. Restrictions on parties and the media should be removed. Law 5 of 1995, which interferes with the free operation of professional associations, should be rescinded. The emergency laws should be scrapped. And the constitution should be amended to allow presidential elections to field several candidates, and restrict the post to a maximum of two terms.

This week's Soapbox speaker is head of the New Wassat Party group.