Last Friday's rally at Cairo International Airport welcoming Mohamed ElBaradei was a visible expression of how activists and opposition figures from across the political spectrum have rallied around ElBaradei as a possible presidential candidate. People expect him to lead a process of political mobility much needed nowadays in Egypt, according to Hassan Nafaa, coordinator for the Anti-Inheritance campaign. The climate is suitable for such a transformation to democracy, especially as the situation in Egypt is deteriorating, said Nafaa. Several political actors are seeking a democratic transformation but are not able to achieve it, he added." Luckily, ElBaradei isn't infected with the political diseases of Egypt," Nafaa said. Everyone can rally around ElBaradei, whether they are Muslim Brotherhood members, communists, liberals, or something else, because he stands at an equal distance from all of themز According to Nafaa, ElBaradei can lead the campaign for change because he is not a symbol of the regime and has international clout, so his statements are followed by the world media. Mamdouh Qenawi, president of the Constitutional Party, said that he expects ElBaradei to work with political actors to achieve major change in Egyptian political life guaranteeing stability and a normal life not restricted by exceptional laws. George Ishaq, a leader of the Kefaya movement, said that ElBaradei should interact with the people, adding that this would allow him to push for the amendment of Articles 76, 77 and 88 of the Constitution, for judicial supervision of elections, and to end the state of emergency. Ishaq added that he will await the outcome of ElBaradei's meeting with different opposition players which, Ishaq says, should reveal ElBaradei's thoughts for the coming period. Mohamed Harash, founder of the Wafdists Against Inheritance Movement, said he expects ElBaradei to be a model of nationalism and the figure to lead Egyptian opposition toward change. Harash said that ElBaradei is a respected Egyptian figure who is recognized around the world. "As a civilian, not a military officer or a law expert, we expect him to establish a genuine democracy," Harash said. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
