The presidential campaign

By Naguib Mahfouz

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The presidential elections have provided the nation with a new experience, a fresh perspective and, hopefully, a taste of things to come. For years, the Egyptian people demanded free elections. They have long wanted to choose the president and exercise the democratic rights enjoyed in other states. Now this has happened, and Egypt can claim to be becoming a democratic country. It has not been plain sailing and we are not yet there. The time, though, has passed, when the people had no choice.

From now on things will be different. The relationship between the government and the public is undergoing a fundamental change. A nation that votes is one that demands accountability from the government. A nation that selects from multiple candidates expects a winner to keep his promises. Some things are bound to go wrong -- we are, after all, still finding our bearings. But the parliamentary elections, due in November, will offer the nation an opportunity to set things right. We are well on the path to reform, and beyond the point of no return.

Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.