The recent discussions about the first two Articles of the old Egyptian constitution (that existed since 1971), to make them subject to special review by Islamic leaders or by Al-Azhar tell me one thing. Egypt is not ready yet to draft a new civic constitution and that many of its citizens do not appreciate the purpose of having one. I say: what we need now is a “Bill of Rights” that ensures justice and equality for ALL citizens and the independence of the Egyptian legal system. Until other necessary changes are enacted or allowed to evolve, let us function under the amended past constitution, as defective as it is.
Constitutions are road maps for the future. If they are allowed to be tampered with by special interest groups they can produce an array of ineffective laws. Democracy is a way of thinking and acting, and not just an exercise of voting at the ballot box. All citizens must have the same rights and duties under the law. If we allow the various laws to be subjected to the interpretation by an individual, group or an Institution, the law loses its effectiveness and becomes a tool to be manipulated and not a standard to conform to and obey.
Writing of appropriate laws requires trust in our scholars and takes the formation of functioning political parties and civic Institutions. Above all, it is built on proper education and the dissemination of information. In a country in which a large proportion of women are totally illiterate (in one reliable estimate it is 42%) and, according to a recent international poll, a good proportion of citizens get their information from either a religious leader in a house of worship or from Al-Jazeera Television station; how can we entrust those citizens to come up with a functional constitution. Even among those declared to be literate, many may be taught to pass the exams in certain subjects. These are not educated which requires one to read various books about philosophy and ethics, and to be open minded about what is happening in the world. Many in Egypt are taught and never educated. Yes, Egypt is blessed by scholars living inside and outside the country, but these are the exception; they provide a treasure that, when used properly, can provide guidance to where we should land. These scholars are the ones who should be charged to write the “Bill of Rights” that applies to every Egyptian citizen.
Constitutions have shaped the future of various countries. So we have to ask ourselves: what kind of country we want Egypt to become in the future? We must answer this question honestly. If we want to go back to the past; when religion ruled, then we have to say so. In that case we have to live in tents and ride camels while we refrain from living in modern houses, use smart phones, drive cars, ride airplanes and communicate via the internet and social media. In that case everyone will know what we want. If we desire to join modern nations, we must follow the rule of law, secure justice and equality for all, enhance the safety of air water, promote tourism and foreign investments while we declare that religion is only between us and our God and should have nothing to do with politics.
This issue is in our hands. It is up to us to shape it. However, this requires honesty on our part. Masquerading behind certain contrived slogans will not help. We have to declare what we want to become honestly, frankly and openly. To keep tinkering with the constitution in the name of piety is a game that is proven counter-productive, ineffective and can be deceitful. Some of those who espouse these additions could be well meaning (albeit brain-washed), but the majority of them are no doubt opportunistic