I have not read the interview that Dr. Hossam Badrawi gave to Al-Wafd newspaper on his proposal to nominate Mr. Gamal Mubarak as President, but I did read the correction published by Al Wafd. I understood from it that it was merely a personal statement; it was made from his personal point of view and not as a key member of the National Democratic Party (NDP). Thus, it concerned only himself, and held the party under no obligation. It does not reflect the party's opinion, nor what is likely to be happening backstage at its annual conference, which will be held by the end of September. As with all of Dr. Badrawi's statements, this one aroused argument and dissent and needed one clarification, or more. What Al-Wafd attributed to him - what needed clarification - was his statement: he is nominating Gamal Mubarak for president. It appears that Al-Wafd newspaper is satisfied with Dr. Hossam Badrawi's statement, and the correction, because Al-Wafd Party and newspaper wish to close this subject, or possibly to gratify Dr. Badrawi. However, since the subject has been opened, I don't see how we can just close it, just like that. What made Dr. Badrawi's nominate Gamal Mubarak as the National Party candidate, obviously for President, be it on a personal basis or as a party official? And regardless of whether this was his own personal desire, that of a few key party members or the entire party. As far as I'm concerned, they're all the same. Dr. Hossam Badrawi's statements show with no small amount of clarity that there is undoubtedly something fishy going on backstage at the NDP. To cut a long story short, this isn't just Dr. Badrawi's wish - it's also prevalent among several key NDP members, and in the Policies Secretariat, which is headed by Gamal Mubarak. It's unclear why Dr. Badrawi would make statements like these at such a time, just three weeks before the annual convention. Perhaps we should just blindly accept National Party leaders' clarifications and explanations, even if they are contradictory. Gamal Mubarak has already insisted, more than once, that he has no desire to nominate himself, nor or in the future. He's essentially told us to shut up - what more clarification could we need? However, Dr. Badrawi's statement confirms that there are new developments in the wings and on the highest levels. Otherwise, he would never have made such a statement at such a time. Is he just testing the waters? Did the clarification signal Gamal Mubarak's wish to withdraw from nominating himself. Does it have anything to do with the legislative amendments that the NDP is trying to push for the next session of the People's Assembly? Does it have anything to do with the NDP's refusing to consider any amendments to Articles 76 and 77 without which there will only be one presidential candidate put forward by the NDP? Obviously, Gamal Mubarak would be their preferred candidate. All these actions are deeply suspicious, particularly since people have lost faith in the NDP and in the government and any statements made by either. Dr. Hossam Badrawi, or anyone else, might ask, "Is the nomination of Gamal Mubarak for president a problem for you? Frankly, I have a big problem and it does not only concern me; it concerns millions of people because we need honesty and transparency. We need to know the path to governance in Egypt. Besides, what are Gamal Mubarak's qualifications to hold such a high position, besides being the president's son? We don't want all this lying and cheating and running around and testing of the waters. Heading a nation is not some thrill-seeking adventure and it should not be set aside to benefit just one person. By permission from Al-Masry Al-Youm.
