Democracy News

Egyptian Military's Constitutional Proposal Threatens Future of Democratic Transition
November 15, 2011
By: Mark Hsen | Printer Friendly

With Egypt's first elections since the revolution earlier this year scheduled for November 28, the future of Egypt's transition to democracy has become jeopardized by the current ruling military council, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF).  While still professing its support for a new democratically elected government, in early November the military submitted a constitutional proposal that would enable it to have significant autonomy from oversight as well as the ability to maintain its involvement in the political process, even after the parliamentary and presidential elections.  This move confirms recent concerns that the military is unwilling to relinquish power to a civilian government.

Only 9 months ago, the military was praised for its support of popular uprisings against then-President Hosni Mubarak when they refused to fire on protestors.  After Mubarak's ousting, SCAF promised to support a new democratic government, maintaining temporary control until elections were scheduled. 

According to the Associated Press, the proposal would effectively guarantee military influence in the creation of a new constitution.  Through the proposal, the military would be granted veto power regarding any legislation affecting military affairs, as well as protection from civilian oversight, particularly in terms of its budget.  The proposal also declared the armed forces the protector of "constitutional legitimacy" which many have interpreted as allocating final approval of major policy decisions to the military.

Throughout Egypt's modern history, the military has maintained strong, but discrete control of political affairs.  Since the 1952 coup of King Farouk, each of the nation's presidents has risen from the military officer corps.  In addition, most top positions in regional councils and state organizations are filled by retired military officers.  While typically wielding influence behind the scenes, even with its current more visible role, the military still remains shrouded in secrecy.
 
With the new proposal, there are concerns that the military is not only attempting to maintain its hold on political power, but also its financial assets.  According to the Washington Post, military leaders own large tracts of prime real estate, factories, and other businesses.  It is unclear exactly how much control they have, with estimates ranging from 5 to 45 percent of the Egyptian economy. 

While the proposal has been condemned across the activist political spectrum, the military still enjoys broad public support.  The Washington Post reported that the military regularly polls at the top of surveys on whom Egyptians trust most.  Even as SCAF acts as both parliament and president, and has delayed the transitional period, SCAF continues to insist that the military has no desire to remain in power.

The constitutional proposal follows the increasingly harsh crackdown on the protest movement which initially removed Mubarak, but now has turned critical of military rule.  Earlier in November, Alaa Abdel-Fattah, an iconic activist in the anti-Mubarak uprising, was detained for allegedly inciting violence at an October protest where 27 people were killed. 

Along with frequent arrests, many protestors and other civilians are being prosecuted in military tribunals instead of civilian courts.  According to the Financial Times, approximately 12,000 Egyptians have been tried in the military tribunals.  The military has ignored complaints that it has resorted to using Mubarak-era abuses claiming emergency laws are necessary to counteract the surge in crime.  However, many believe these are simply tools to crackdown on critics of the military.  

For previous news on Egypt, please see:
IFES Analyzes Egyptian Election Framework

The Future of Egyptian Democracy

Sources:
Financial Times – Forces of reaction

The Washington Post – Egypt's military guards its own power

Associated Press – New outcry erupts in Egypt against military rulers

The Washington Post – Egyptians seek to 'reclaim' revolution

Associated Press – Hand of Egypt's military rulers grows heavier