Boycotting elections is in no body's interest, writes Ibrahim Nafie Yesterday's referendum on the amendment of article 76 of the constitution marks an important step forward on the path to reform. We can now look forward to a new phase in collective national action, and as we do so we must keep higher national interests foremost in mind. There is no denying the important inroads we have made. Under the old provisions of article 76, the president was nominated by a minimum of a third of the members of the People's Assembly. The choice had then to be confirmed by a minimum two-thirds majority in a popular referendum. Henceforward, Egyptians will choose their president directly through multi-candidate elections. In September's presidential elections leaders of legitimate political parties will be able to field themselves for the presidency without having to meet any qualifying conditions. Independents will be eligible if they obtain the signatures of 250 members of parliament and of municipal councils. In subsequent presidential elections, beginning in 2011, political party leaders will only have to obtain the support of five per cent of the People's Assembly and Shura Council. The opposition parties objected to the amendment on the grounds that the restrictions that come into effect in 2011 will effectively prevent them from fielding their candidates. Their arguments are debatable. The five per cent qualifying quota should not be that difficult to meet. Perhaps, too, the challenge will be good for them, for it will compel them to work to expand their grassroots base. At the same time, they can rest assured that the reform process will continue. Soon there will be amendments to the laws governing the exercise of political rights, among which is the electoral law, which will open further opportunities for opposition parties. I would therefore advise that they begin preparing now for elections in 2011, taking advantage of the new climate of political plurality. If they put their shoulder to the grindstone now the five per cent qualifying quota should not be too difficult to meet in six years time. Now that the majority of Egyptians who participated in the referendum have returned a "yes" vote one can only hope that those parties that supported a boycott will come to realise such negative tactics are inappropriate. I appeal to the opposition, regardless of its political and ideological orientation, to adopt a policy of "constructive engagement". Through open-minded participation in the ongoing dialogue over the process of reform they will have much to contribute both to fostering a healthy climate of change and to overcoming flaws in the process. After all, these parties are patriotic Egyptian parties. They may differ with the NDP over certain policies regarding the substance or pace of reform. It is only natural that opposition parties do not always see eye-to- eye with the ruling party on organisational or procedural matters. But it is one thing to air such differences in a framework of constructive give-and-take and another to escalate differences of opinion into an adversarial relationship. It is important we bear in mind the distinction between reform for reform's sake and reform conducted in accordance with a national vision that seeks to strike a balance between universal democratic values and human rights and the specific needs and characteristics of Egyptian society. We must also bear in mind the distinction between reform "now" and reform paced in a manner that enables society to absorb the changes gradually and that simultaneously safeguards the interests of the poor and underprivileged. The experience of Eastern European countries in this respect is illuminating: large segments of their populations were impoverished, and chaos ensued, following their rush to reform. We need to reach a consensus over our vision for reform that will lead us to our desired goals while safeguarding stability. This has been the spirit that has guided the Ahmed Nazif government and there is no denying the tangible progress it has made, to the extent that the government for the first time was able to raise the rate of government and public sector social benefits to 15 per cent of basic salaries. Certainly, the further we proceed along the road to economic reform in this spirit the more the average citizen will feel its benefits. Egypt needs the input of all its people. Political forces, regardless of their particular position, should feel obliged to participate in elections and referendums, accept their results and then continue to work towards a future consensus. I believe the opposition parties have much more to gain through positive engagement than through boycotts. Above all, they will gain in self- confidence as they take advantage of the new electoral climate to rally their supporters, create a cohesive grassroots base and strengthen their presence in parliament. Let us all, therefore, put behind whatever acrimony may have arisen in the run-up to the referendum on article 76 and take advantage of the new amendment to move the reform process forward.
