By Ahmed El-Naggar There are rumours about a partial or full cabinet reshuffle. This is nothing unusual. What is unusual is that those sending out the rumours consider the reshuffle to be a part of long-awaited reforms, perhaps even the entire fruit of reform. So let me put this straight. A reshuffle, partial or complete, has nothing to do with reform. Reform means changing the system's structure so as to make the rotation of power a constitutional and legal fact. Reform means limiting presidential terms to a maximum of two, with the president elected directly and not through referendum. It means freedom to issue papers and form parties. Reform means the abolition of freedom-restricting laws. Reform means checks and balances among the various branches of government, so that the executive, the president especially, would not control the judiciary and the legislature. Being a nation of two religions, reform means separating religion and state so that the state does not engage in one-upmanship with religious groups, so that religious groups do not claim monopoly over a single religious truth. Religion should not be demeaned through political rivalries, for this would only undermine our social cohesion as a nation. Reform means that the state should protect scientific, philosophical, literary and artistic achievement from any intervention by religious authorities. Individual creativity and achievement can only be subjected to the power of the constitution and the law that the nation agrees upon. Reform means that all citizens should be treated equally before the law and that their freedoms and rights be respected, not squandered during criminal or political investigation. We are a great nation and we deserve reform. But again, reform is not a synonym for reshuffle. This week's Soapbox speaker is editor of Strategic Economic Directions , issued by Al- Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies.
