Reform is meaningless without consensus, writes Ibrahim Nafie A process of reform is underway. This much is evident in the changes being made to the constitution and the laws governing political and economic life in the country. Unfortunately some political forces choose to focus on perceived errors in the management of change. Instead of engaging in genuine national dialogue such people prefer to wage frenzied media campaigns, voicing vitriolic opposition to specific amendments or changes. These forces must reconsider their ways. If they really want the amendments to be a result of a democratic and free national dialogue they must actively engage in the ongoing process. When President Hosni Mubarak recommended the amendment of Article 76 of the constitution, political forces sprang into action, casting doubt on everything under the sun. Just because things are not done their way they keep telling the public that it's all hopeless. This country has just conducted a national dialogue in which many political forces participated, many legal and political opinions were expressed, and many of the recommendations made have been adopted. President Mubarak intervened personally, at the 11th hour, to have parliament adopt some of the suggestions made during the dialogue. In short, the legislative amendments made so far are a result of national dialogue. Similar scenes occurred during discussions of the political parties law. Revising Law 40 for 1977 is central to political life in this country since it opens the way for parties to operate more freely. But as soon as the revision process started some people went berserk, saying the amendments were cosmetic, that the country was slipping into inquisition or back to 1953, the year political parties were disbanded. This happens each time a constitutional article or existing law is being reconsidered. The amendments that will be introduced to Law 40 for 1977 will bring the law into line with the changes that have happened in Egyptian society over the past three decades. The new law will remove the hurdles facing political parties, allowing them to become more effective as they seek the public support that will give them the quota they need to contest the 2011 presidential elections. We should not, however, abandon all the regulations contained in the existing law which act to ensure any new party is serious, and constitutionally acceptable. I am against the abolition of the Parties Affairs Committee. This committee has a specific role to play and its abolition would lead to chaos. The last thing we want is for dozens -- or even hundreds -- of parties based on ethnic, geographic and factional ties. Some people have suggested that parties be recognised immediately following a simple notification. This would be a disaster, opening the door to parties based on a religious or factional basis, in association with foreign quarters and in violation of the constitution. The best solution is for a party's application to be approved by the committee within 90 days of notification. Should the period of 90 days elapse without response then the party can be considered legitimate. In the event the committee objects within 90 days the applicants may appeal to the Higher Administrative Court, with the latter required to issue a ruling within four months of the date of appeal. To avert foreign involvement in Egyptian parties, restrictions must be made on foreign funding by individuals or institutions. This is a matter of consensus in this country. I suggest that parties be required to inform the Central Accounting Agency of any donations received in excess of a certain sum. The amendment of the political parties law is part of a comprehensive process of change and modernisation. This process should be seen as a step on the path to overall reform. Political parties participating in national dialogue and discussions should make an effort to ensure that all amendments are introduced through consensus. This is not the time for political squabbling but for a search for common ground. No party can expect its proposals to be automatically approved. Perhaps one aspect of the proposal will be endorsed, and other aspects altered. This is the way it should be. It is, indeed, the only way groups that differ in ideology can work together. What we all must do is put the nation's interests first. It is in Egypt's interest that all political forces engage in dialogue. Some may not be pleased with the way the amendments are being made but this not a sufficient reason to abandon dialogue. Ultimately, everyone must accept the amendments parliament approves. To reiterate, we must not see individual changes as the end of the road for reform is an ongoing process. President Mubarak has already spoken of two generations of economic reform, indicating that a third is on its way. To succeed with economic reform the government and public must act in tandem. Mubarak is also launching a third generation of political reform, one involving major changes in the laws governing political life. But for this to work political parties must show more trust. Everyone should have confidence in the national dialogue. Only through dialogue will we reach a shared vision of the future.
