Democracy News

The Future of Egyptian Democracy
October 26, 2011
By: Lulu Buhisi | Printer Friendly

The revolution in Egypt is far from over. After former President Hosni Mubarak stepped down on February 11, 2011, Egypt's military, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) took control. SCAF promised to see the country through the transition period, which initially was supposed to last six months.

Activists have been peacefully demonstrating and calling for elections. However, their protests have been violently squashed. Earlier this month, Al Jazeera English reported that military police ferociously cracked down on Egyptian Coptic Christian protesters, a move seen as adding fuel to the already-tense sectarian divide. The violent cracked down resulted in 26 people killed and over 320 wounded. Egypt's Coptic Christians comprise 10 percent of the country's 80 million population. Such incidents and the military's response have undermined the state's ability to control.

Egypt's military rulers have come under heavy criticism for their aggressive response to the demonstrations. Many are questioning SCAF’s role. Activists are campaigning against SCAF's military trials of civilians and demanding the emergency law be lifted. It seems SCAF is attempting to hold onto power by repeatedly postponing elections. BBC News reported that six presidential candidates had requested an acceleration of the timetable for elections, which currently sets the date for presidential elections in early April 2012. This may allow the military to stay in power until late 2012 or even early 2013.

Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi brushed aside these concerns and said, "the military council has no interest in staying [in power] for a long time. Given the chance, the military council will step down tomorrow." He also added, "we will not abandon Egypt before we finish what we pledged to do and committed ourselves to before the people." Tantawi has been acting as the military's de facto chief executive and the people speculate he may run as a political candidate, despite his assurances that those are just rumors that should be cast aside.

Parliamentary elections are currently set to begin at the end of November and last until early March of next year. Over fifty political parties have been registered to participate in the transitional elections. Former members of Mubarak's disbanded National Democratic Party may be barred from participating in the elections, due to demands from other political parties as well as activist groups. The Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party is seeking 40 percent of the parliamentary seats. Two-thirds of the parliament will be represented by official parties. The remaining one-third will be filled by elected individual candidates.

After elections are completed, a committee will be formed to begin the long process of drafting the new constitution. Whatever the case may be, it does not look promising as it means continuing the current politically unstable situation in the hands of SCAF, an indication that undercuts the overall process of transitioning to civilian rule. 

For previous news on Egypt, please see:
Egyptian Military to Have Prominent Role in Politics; Faces Protests

Sources:
AlJazeera – In Egypt, the crisis endures

BBC News – Tantawi says Egypt in sensitive stage

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace – The Emerging Political Spectrum in Egypt

Democracy Digest – Egypt's 'unconvincing' transition pact