Reform may be a gradual process, but it is now firmly on track, writes Ibrahim Nafie President Mubarak's decision to request parliament to amend Article 76 of the Constitution to allow for direct multi candidate elections marks a historic turning point in Egypt's political life. This decision has ushered in a new and dynamic phase in political reform and development that will mesh with progress being made in the economic and social spheres. It has set into motion a series of legislative measures that will bring political parties and forces on board as responsible and effective partners in national decision-making. The acclaim with which Egypt's political parties greeted the president's move reflects a genuine appreciation of its historical value as the key that has opened the door to a more vibrant political life and the fuller exercise of civil liberties. This said, the path that now lays before us must be tread in a truly mature national spirit, untainted by the demagoguery to which some political forces have long been given. I hope that this will be borne in mind as the nation proceeds to discuss issues connected with the proposed amendment. The amended Article 76, expected to come into effect before presidential elections in September, will give Egyptians the right to elect their president from more than one candidate. In addition, in the first elections in which this law is applied, political forces wishing to field candidates will not have to obtain a quota of signatures from the members of elected councils. It is very important in this regard that the legal experts who draft the amendment do their utmost to furnish the conditions that will encourage and facilitate nominations while simultaneously protecting our highest political office from regional or international infiltration. Safeguarding respect for the office of the presidency is a matter that requires the utmost care. I would caution against preempting deliberations on this matter with alarmist predictions about overly strict restrictions on the nominating process. It is vital that we keep an open mind and participate positively and constructively in the national dialogue. As I have indicated, the amendment of Article 76 is only the beginning of a process of comprehensive political reform. One cannot help but feel disconcerted at how rapidly some have said that this will not be enough, that other constitutional articles have to be amended in order to produce the desired effect. The president was keen to introduce the amendment in advance of what was originally set as the date for the presidential referendum in order to set the political reform process into motion as soon as possible. Linking the conversion of the referendum process to such questions as presidential powers and the length and number of terms would only defeat that purpose. Deliberating such crucial issues and drafting the appropriate amendments require time of which there is simply not enough between now and the elections. Following the elections, however, there will be plenty of scope for political parties to participate in the necessary national dialogue over the next phases of political reform, including the possibility of amending other constitutional articles. We expect the participants in that dialogue to embrace a forward looking spirit that places the interests of the nation above all else. In the forthcoming campaigns candidates will be presenting the public with platforms on reform and development and perhaps the principles they would like to see enshrined in constitutional amendments. What is already on record is President Mubarak's vision, which he outlined in his speech in Menoufiya on Saturday. In the ten-point principles of reform he stated we have a clear, viable and dynamic programme for the comprehensive development of the Egyptian political system. Our hope is that the political parties and their candidates step forward to lay their platforms before the public in a similarly persuasive and rational way. This will ensure that Egypt's first multi-candidate elections will get off on the right foot, inject new life into the political arena and give added impetus to the next phase of political reform and development. Naturally, this appeal is directed to politicians and intellectuals who take rational argument and debate seriously, for there is little point in trying to get through to those who are only good at fault-finding and negativism. I also believe that the Egyptian press has a major role to play in the forthcoming dialogue and that it, too, must demonstrate the appropriate spirit of responsibility. The coming months will bring major developments in the form of new legislation pertaining to parliament and the exercise of political rights. As society engages in dialogue on these issues no subject will be taboo. At the very least the participants should take time to study the constitutional articles and laws they would like to change and give careful consideration to the changes they would like to be made. If they bear in mind that change is an ongoing process, then the forthcoming electoral campaigns and subsequent dialogues should work to enhance democratic practice and deepen the nation's reform experience.
