Egypt Begins Reform Meeting

The anti-government demonstrations in Egypt continue to demand that President Mubarak step down at once, while the president, citing the possibility of further chaos, refuses to resign immediately. If one examines the situation under a demonstrators-president dichotomy, there appears to be a stalemate. However, the actual political situation has begun to move toward the end of authoritarian rule. It is crucial to recognize the importance of what has been happening for the past several days.

On the first of this month, the president announced that this current term will be his last. With this announcement, focus has shifted to the upcoming elections in September and the need to build a framework for governmental transition and a roadmap for democratization.

While the demonstrators ceaselessly demand the president’s immediate resignation, Vice President Suleiman has opened talks with opposition groups. The conference held on [Feb. 6] discussed topics such as constitutional reform, repeal of martial law and the process of democratization.

The Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic fundamentalist organization that has called for Mubarak’s resignation, also participated in the conference. The conference yielded an agreement to establish a constitutional reform preparatory committee and to repeal martial law.

Of course, the conference has only recently begun. For one, how will the constitution be altered to remove the barriers that make it difficult for opposition parties to run a candidate in presidential elections? Also, how and when will martial law — that has allowed normal judicial procedures to be bypassed on grounds that it disrupted antigovernment forces — be repealed? The specifics of this have not taken shape, but it is encouraging that this process has started.

As the government loses power and the fears of a power vacuum increase, the military has stepped in, while America and other leading powers voiced their support. However, Mr. Obama has noticeably avoided calling on Mr. Mubarak’s immediate resignation. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Clinton has said, “Change takes a certain amount of time.”*

For the demonstrators demanding an immediate resignation, it is crucial for a speedy transition to democratization. It will be difficult to determine the role of the Muslim Brotherhood in the new political framework. It will not do to take too long or to rush the process. Cognizant of the inherent difficulties, I hope that there is progress for cooperation on political reform that will help to avoid further turmoil.

*Editor’s Note: This quote, accurately translated, could not be verified.