A battle lost, but not the war

By Salah Issa

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The battle for political and constitutional reform is ongoing and reformers need to stay the course. They cannot afford to let emotions get in the way of their goals.

Egypt is at a difficult crossroads. The situation in the region is a complete mess, while at home adventurers and closet totalitarians lurk in the background, hoping at any moment to seize power.

The amendment of Article 76 of the constitution was bungled. Egypt's first substantial reform in decades was drained of all substance. But time is running out for the old guard and the room they once enjoyed for manoeuvre is being steadily reduced. By marginalising reformers they are encouraging adventurers, and those seeking theocratic rule, to step into the power vacuum. In clinging to the status quo Egypt's old guard are courting foreign interference and destroying Egypt's future.

Radical constitutional change is a must. It has to be conducted peacefully and democratically. Reform should be pursued through serious and open dialogue across all sectors of society and must involve the entire political spectrum. We need to agree on a programme and implement it within two or three years at most. By the end of this time Egypt should have a new constitution and a credible pluralism. The reformers may have lost a battle, but now is not the time to lose heart.

This week's Soapbox speaker is the editor-in-chief of Al-Qahira weekly newspaper.