CAIRO: Egypt's leading presidential candidate has lashed out at the state of the country's future. He said that democratic change is not moving forward and Egypt faces a test to regain its push for change that began with the ousting of the former government on February 11. He said that the road to democracy is “beginning to erode due to military courts, an unwillingness to protect peaceful protesters and a rejection of international election monitors,” said ElBaradei, in comments published by local Egyptian Arabic newspapers. His statement comes after he spoke out against the arrest of activists over statements they made on social networking sites. He singled out Asmaa Mahfouz, a young activist who has been charged with slander and incitement and faces a military trial. “6 months after the January 25 Revolution we need leadership with a clear vision, a transparent and determined plan and a genuine change in thought before it's too late,” ElBaradei wrote in a direct address on his Twitter account to the military council. “To all Egyptian people, we must unify immediately around the Revolution's goals and let go of our narrow disagreements so every Egyptian can regain his right to a dignified life,” he added. The military appears to be moving swiftly in attacking those who speak out. Since they forcibly removed protesters from their sit-in in Tahrir Square on August 1, the heavy hand of the military forces has come down on activists who dare to speak out. ElBaradei has been one of the only political leaders in the country to speak openly on the current situation and has called on the military to end military trials against civilians. BM
