The political atmosphere in Egypt is currently marred by protests that regularly turn violent and even deadly in the absence of a state of law and the presence of an acute economic crisis. Realising the failure of Hisham Kandil's cabinet to face current pressing challenges, the National Salvation Front (NSF) announced at the beginning of this week its intention to create a parallel government that would end Muslim Brotherhood rule. Among other aims of the shadow government is to pressure President Mohamed Morsi to dismiss the current cabinet. Official spokesman of the NSF Election Committee Mahmoud Al-Alaili said the NSF does not trust either Kandil or any of his current ministers. “The parallel government will include at least 24 ministers who will work on scandalising the poor performance of Kandil and his government,” said Al-Alaili. The NSF, according to Al-Alaili, wants the president to declare the criteria according to which ministers and governors are being appointed. The NSF points to the Islamicisation of minister and governor post appointments. “The Muslim Brotherhood's predominance in those posts damages democracy and raises questions about their transparency. The NSF has efficient cadres with a clear vision who will be appointed as ministers in the parallel government,” said Al-Alaili. The first shadow government in Egypt was formed in 2010, after the now dissolved National Democratic Party (NDP) dominated parliament. Former president Hosni Mubarak belittled the move with the famous statement, “Let them have fun.” The parallel government was headed by Ali Al-Selmi and announced by the Wafd Party. Abdel-Gaffar Shokr, head of the Popular Coalition Party, told Al-Ahram Weekly that all democratic countries are well acquainted with the parallel or shadow government concept. “Parallel governments usually present their plans and suggestions to people in order to give them the chance to choose between two programmes: those of the actual government and those of the parallel one,” said Shokr. The shadow government will monitor the performance of the ruling Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) government. “People will have a government that meets their aspirations,” Shokr said, adding that, “The shadow government will not include defence or interior portfolios, or an information ministry. The shadow government lacks direct access to executive authorities, which would require coordination with the current government.” Although still in discussion, the shadow government would include a minister for Sinai affairs, a minister for human rights, a ministry for Sudan and the Nile Basin countries, a minister for green development and climate change, a minister for monuments, a minister for human development, and a ministry for international cooperation. “These were previously suggested during the Wafd Party's shadow government. Discussions are still underway regarding the addition of other portfolios,” said Shokr. “The role of the shadow government must be effective and not nominal in order not to accomplish its goal,” Shokr added. Meanwhile, the NSF is also considering the creation of a parallel parliament whose mandate would be presenting draft laws to the elected parliament. Shokr pointed to three main factors that must be present in a strong and effective shadow government. The government must be composed from a strong party that is popular among the public, present an alternative plan to that of the current government, and nominate qualified figures who can be appointed in leading positions in the shadow government. Among the criteria for appointment in the shadow government are complete awareness of the issues attendant to a relevant portfolio, proof of efficiency and qualifications for such a post, and accepting criticism from others while being capable of providing leadership. The parallel government was described by Abul-Ezz Al-Hariri, deputy founder of the Socialist Alliance Party, as a successful experience under Mubarak's rule. “The political situation in Egypt became very critical and requires radical change. Morsi and his Islamist group believe that people are the minority while they are the majority. Therefore opposition forces became obliged to form a political entity that collectively addresses national issues,” said Al-Hariri. Al-Hariri called for the formation of a national salvation programme to address Egypt's dire economic situation and use the country's resources properly. “The idea of the parallel parliament and government is subject to the law of supply and demand. People have to choose between them and the actual government,” said Al-Hariri. Al-Hariri believes that it is essential for Morsi and the government to seek the help of the parallel government. “Formation of the parallel government depends on qualified persons from among known public figures that can easily make a difference in society,” he added.
