Salonaz Sami examines the causes and consequences of the sudden change in the leadership of Kifaya "Allow me to declare my wish to remove myself from this position," announced George Ishak, general coordinator of the Kifaya movement, as he stepped down from his post. In a sudden move on Saturday, Ishak told Kifaya's coordinating committee that he is withdrawing from the leadership position he has occupied since the movement was launched in 2004. He proposed that the renowned scholar Abdel-Wahab Elmessiri become his successor. The unexpected resignation was approved by all 40 members of the committee of the movement. Among the other expected changes is the replacement of Abdel-Halim Qandil, Kifaya's spokesman. The movement's overhaul aims at refocussing the group's energies to push for political reform. "We are now entering a new era of political struggle that calls for new ideas and sacrifices," Ishak said, further explaining that he was implementing one of the principal demands of Kifaya. "Let me put into action one of the most important principles of the movement: democracy and the rotation of power," Ishak declared. Ishak loftly called on Arab rulers "to do the same thing; you need to step down," he said. Hani Anan, a founding member of Kifaya, explained that the abdication comes as part of the movement's new strategy which will be focussing more on rejuvenating Egypt and increasing political activism. This includes new educational training sessions aimed at increasing political awareness among Kifaya members. Although Kifaya seemed to have an impact on political life in the first year of its creation, it weakened after the 2005 presidential elections. "Elmessiri is the best representative of the movement in the coming phase," asserted Anan. "He is a good administrator with strong communication skills, making him the perfect candidate for the leadership position." The general sentiment inside Kifaya supported the change in leadership, but there was scepticism about Elmessiri from some quarters. The 64-year-old author and academic is seen by some Kifaya members as the "intellectual, wise" adviser to the movement, not its leader. "The general coordinator position needs someone who can reach out to simple Egyptians on the street, since the movement mainly interacts with ordinary citizens rather than intellectuals," argued Mohamed El-Domiatti, a Kifaya member. "Our protesting style is what distinguishes us. We will lose by changing this into panel discussions or training sessions." But political analyst Diaa Rashwan could not agree less. Rashwan concedes that Elmessiri is "very different from Ishak", but he does not feel Kifaya's approach will alter. "By default, Elmessiri has different ideologies that will be reflected on the movement, but no significant change is expected," he countered. "The movement will retain its identity as a distinguished protest movement." The change in Kifaya's leadership brought to mind the recent withdrawal of seven members, over a statement issued by the movement supporting what was perceived as Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni's anti-veil position. These members are now expected to return to the Kifaya fold. "I think those who left the movement will be returning now that the reasons they left for are gone," said Elmessiri, alluding to Ishak. "Now there is a new dynamic in which they will be able to express their thoughts and opinions without any restrictions." He disclosed that there will be a committee composed of all Kifaya members across the country in charge of the decision-making process. "I am not going to be a front for the movement, with no credibility or real responsibilities," asserted Elmessiri. But one of the seven resignees, Gamal Asaad, insisted Elmessiri's ascension is merely "a cover-up for Ishak and his group to continue running the show". Ahmed Bahaa Shaaban, a member of the movement's coordinating committee, disagreed, saying that Elmessiri's appointment is the beginning of change for Kifaya. "We are currently forming new committees to implement a new strategy and infrastructure for the movement," stated Shaaban. "We will re-launch the movement and start all over again."
