Partial but important

By Naguib Mahfouz

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In spite of the regrettable circumstances surrounding the referendum on the amendment of article 76 of the Constitution, we should not ignore the positive outcomes. Firstly, henceforth Egyptians will choose their presidents through free, direct, multi-candidate elections, rather than by a referendum on a single candidate chosen by parliament. This is an incontrovertible fact with which we can begin a new phase in our political history.

Of course, many had strong reservations over the restrictions in the new amendment governing the nominations process. However, there is no reason to treat these provisions as irreversibly set in stone; at some future point we can lighten them or abolish them altogether. If our constitution were immutable Holy Scripture, we would not have been able to amend Article 76 to begin with.

Bear in mind, too, that some two million people, according to figures released by the Ministry of Interior, voted against the amendment. This sizeable "no" vote is doubly significant. Firstly, it indicates that a large segment of the public disapproves of nomination restrictions. Secondly, it suggests that popular participation in the political process is growing, which will have a profound impact on domestic political developments in the future.

Unfortunately, irregularities that occurred during the referendum, as well as the demonstrations needlessly suppressed, tainted this democratic experience. The only way to remedy this is to mount an investigation and bring those responsible for unjust actions to book.

Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.