Fresh beginnings

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Great hopes are pinned on the first stage of the ruling National Democratic Party's (NDP) three-level internal elections, scheduled from 18 August to 10 September. The country is poised for radical political changes. And, the ruling party is leading the way towards the democratisation of Egyptian politics. Other parties may follow suit.

The party's Ninth Congress will be held in November. Such elections will take place for the first time in the NDP's 30-year history. There is no doubt that the NDP move will positively impact the course of political reform in the country.

Still, critics of the NDP abound. There are those both at home and abroad who are sceptical of the ruling party's motives. They believe that it is all a sideshow to deflect attention from the real challenges facing the country. Egypt no doubt faces a host of social and economic problems, but these are not insurmountable, they can be contained and ameliorated by sound economic policies. There are the recent angry protests of those who lack potable water, the protests of the disadvantaged and the politically, socially and economically peripheralised are becoming more vociferous than ever. These, however, are incontestable signals that the country is democratising and is progressing.

There are the critics of the NDP who insist that the party represents the interests of the economic elite of the country and that opportunists and go-getters are make a killing out of their affiliation to the party. That sort of opportunism is not particularly unique to Egypt. Politics in all countries, developed and underdeveloped, are widely considered as dirty business. Still, the democratic process must advance unabated.

Be that as it may, the bold NDP move is bound to change the political fortunes of the country. Accountability and transparency are prerequisite for a viable democratic structure. This week, thousands of party members vied to fill 151,100 positions, 25 seats were allocated to each village or shiakha. However, special concessions were made to ensure that women and members of the Coptic Christian minority be represented. Indeed, democratising the party's internal structures and injecting fresh blood into its ranks is widely considered a priority. Attracting the youth is also seen as a top priority.

Ahmed Ezz, the dynamic NDP's 48-year-old secretary for organisational affairs, visited many parts of the country in order to muster support for the party. It is of vital importance that the people -- especially women and youth -- take part in the decision-making process.

There are disturbing signs that the youth in particular are no longer concerned with political matters. Instead, they focus on bread and butter issues. This in itself is no crime, but it is critical that the youth realise that getting involved in politics will further their careers and fulfil their aims and aspirations.

All eyes are now on the political prospects of Gamal Mubarak, head of the influential Policies Committee. He is said to be behind the entire effort to reform the party and to advance its cause. And it is hoped that this fresh initiative will further the cause of Egypt's democratisation process.