Answering the knocks

By Naguib Mahfouz

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President Hosni Mubarak's appeal to parliament to amend Article 76 of the Constitution was a stroke of genius. With elections just around the corner it was a masterful move by any standard. Whatever his electoral rivals might boast of their accomplishments will pale next to this. The very fact that they are running in the elections will be the product of the bold and courageous step taken by the incumbent.

The reform the president has initiated will have an enormous impact not only on political life in Egypt but throughout the Arab world. Although it is only a first step, it is a large one, and it has reduced many of the hurdles we would otherwise have had to overcome in order to bring about the type of political life we aspire to reach.

Regardless of the motives or calculations that inspired the president to make this move we must not forget that it comes in response to a long-held popular demand. Many a patriotic hand has been knocking on the door of political reform over the years and the president has just opened it.

This decision signifies above all that President Mubarak is the man qualified to steer us towards democracy, just as he led us to stability, peace and economic reconstruction.

Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.