Egypt: Confusion as Revolution Anniversary is Marked
By George Okore
CAIRO---Egypt marks the first anniversary since the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak on February 11, amidst uneasy political situation since nothing tangible seems to come from the transition ruling authority.
The celebrations come at time when a fierce power struggle has developed between the newly elected Parliament dominated by Islamists and the ruling generals. The office of the president has been vacant with the head of Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF), Muhammad Hussein Tantawi serving as acting Head of State (President) while Prime Minister Kamal el Ganzouri is the Head of Government.
The newly elected President and Parliament will determine the fate of the two office holders. Already, there are fears that the military will not give up power despite the military council saying that they will transfer it after the presidential election. The SCAF has repeatedly pointed to the election as proof of its intention to hand the reins to a civilian government.
The situation was made more farcical when Mubarak’s lawyer asserted in court that he is still President of Egypt as he never signed a resignation letter. Wrapping up his defence recently, Farid al-Deeb said the letter was signed by Omar Suleiman, Egypt's former spy chief who was appointed by Mubarak as vice president during a popular uprising. The lawyer said the Cairo criminal court is not competent to try Mubarak, who should be referred to a special tribunal.
The situation is made worse by last Monday’s announcement by the ruling Council Spokesperson Major General Mohsen el_Fangari that the country would go to presidential elections in mid April and hold the parliamentary vote by mid June. He emphasized that the council does not intend to abdicate its role in administering the country’s affairs in this transitional period, and repeated earlier promises that the ruling military council would hand political power to a civilian administration.
The announcement breaks conspicuous silence since the outbreak last week of a new nationwide wave of protests over continued political and economic grievances. While the statement affirmed that the military council is still committed to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, El-Fangari also issued a stern warning to anyone who would disrupt public order and services.
Instead of pleasing the masses, the announcement has increased the unrest, with Egyptians are worried about their future. Last Saturday, renowned Mohamed El Baradeui- the 68 year old former head head of Vienna based International Atomic Energy Agency and Nobel Laureate announced that he would not participate in the Egyptian elections until some issues are resolved by the ruling transition authority. This leaves the stage for former Arab League chief Amr Moussa as the only other viable presidential candidate.
El Baradeui accused the interim military government of failing to bring about real democratic system, but vows working with the youths to help fulfil the nation's hope of freedom, human dignity and social justice. He has also harshly condemned the way the army has handled protesters since they took over.
Last month, Egyptians voted in second-round run-offs for the third and final phase of staggered elections to choose the first parliament since mass protests. The elections kicked off on November 28 and were marred by deadly clashes between armed forces and protesters demanding the immediate ouster of the military council which has come under fire in recent months over human rights record.
The polls also exposed deepening rift among Egyptians. While some see the vote as the first step to democratic rule, others say the new parliament, with unclear functions and under military control. As confirmed by the overall results, Egyptian politics is dominated by two major political forces. The powerful Muslim Brotherhood- banned under Mubarak and now Egypt best organized political movement with a political arm called the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP).
The other dominant party Al-Nur, represents the ultra-conservative Salafi brand of Islam, raising fears among increasingly marginalized liberals about civil liberties and religious freedom. The parties have promised all Egyptians will have a voice in the new parliament, but Islamists are now set to wield major influence over a new constitution to be drafted by a 100-strong body parliament will help pick.