The Egyptian voters ratified the new Constitution by the overwhelming majority of 98.1%. Some commentators said that the vote was cast by only 38.6% of eligible voters, so it can’t be interpreted as an overwhelming majority. This allegation is easily refuted by: The ones who voted represent a respectable percentage when one considers that they cast their votes on a simple referendum and that there were Egyptians and international legal observers to ensure that the process was accurate and they cited very few irregularities in casting or counting the votes. Furthermore, there was ample representation from all segments of society, including the youth in casting of votes. The ones who elected to boycott the elections wanted to become zeroes and were obviously not counted. Therefore, they forfeited any right to complain or whine about these impressive results.
Comparing these results with the ones from the baked hurriedly concocted constitution by the Muslim Brothers’ cronies, shows that almost double the numbers voted yes for this constitution. Scholars of different stripes described this Constitution as more specific, less religious, affording women many rights that were absent before and it treats all citizens equally under the law. Yes, these critics noted the exceptional privileges afforded to the military and the decreased powers of the elected “President of Egypt,” but they noted that many ambiguities contained in the previous flawed document were deleted.
Some of them concluded that the new Constitution is vastly superior but not perfect. They forgot that no human product can please everyone. They bring to mind what Nietzsche, the German philosopher, advised never to make the good the enemy of perfect. Also, some of these recommended that General El-Sisi shouldn’t run for “president” since he will have more power and privileges as “minister of defense” and military leader of Egypt. This reminds me of the book written by Dan Ariely of Duke University titled “Predictably Irrational,” in which he cites examples of how our decision-making is often irrational. These, so called experts, forget that true leaders often make their decisions not because they want to serve their own interests but because they are dictated by circumstances, beyond their control, to serve their countries at the time of need.
Egypt is badly wounded and needs repair in all aspects. Egypt must grow much faster than the sum of the two imposters caused by inflation in addition to the increase in population. When Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black South African president to rule after spending 27 years in prison, he cited the poem “Invictus” in many of his interviews. I will recite only its last two verses: “It matters not how straight the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul”.
Recently I had a chance to visit the “Smart Village” in Cairo. I saw how our youth can produce miracles given the right leadership, mentorship and encouragement. I came back filled with optimism about the Egyptian future once we get rid of the bad habits of finding excuses, assigning blame, double speak, not listening to opposing views, lack of discipline, rampant corruption and inability to make decisions. Habits of efficiency, acquiring new skills and always telling the truth take many years to acquire, but they are not beyond the smart, passionate, industrious well-educated Egyptians.
I returned from my visit of last year morose, despondent and sorry for the state of fast deterioration of Egyptian life. This time I saw happy faces and Egyptians dancing, chanting and celebrating. The danger lurks in that they expect too much too soon. They must be talked to repeatedly, and be told the truth. Also, the Western world has to remember that the marsh to democracy takes time, in spite of the concerted efforts from the new leaders in Egypt. The continued naiveté expressed by the West can be disastrous and SHOULD NEVER BE HEEDED. EGYPTIANS HAVE TO DISPLAY THE NECESSARY PATIENCE AND SAVY TO ENACT ENDURING CHANGES AND TO PURSUE A STEADY COURSE TOWARDS DEMOCRACY. A relapse at this stage is possible and will be calamitous; it must be prevented by all means.
There is a new dawning in Egypt and those of us living in the West want to make sure that the present change heralds a new day in the long history of Egypt. We are ready to be part of it
___________________________________________
Professor Lotfy Basta, MD, FRCP, FRCPE, FACP, FACC, FCCP, FAHA