TODAY'S demonstrations initiate a new stage in the political life in Egypt, as they are intended to assure the opposition's right to express their view in full freedom with respect from the ruling party. It is significant not only in coming in response to last Friday's clashes, sparked by Muslim Brotherhood (MB) followers with civil revolutionary powers questioning the president's achievements during the first 100-day of rule, but also in having all opposition parties and movements united behind the sole goal of ensuring their right and presence in the political scene. This is what the Muslim Brotherhood and their political Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) have to live with and accept. The ruling authorities should admit the fact that in post-revolution Egypt there are strong opposition forces monitoring the performance of the government and the president. They have the full right to express their opinion without being subjected to violent reactions from the MB followers nor accused of treachery and being agents of foreign powers by the MB leaders. Actually this is the role the opposition plays in any democratic country, that is to oppose the ruling party and government if they are following policies not serving the national interest or being slow in solving chronic problems facing the nation. This is exactly what the FJP would be requested to do if tomorrow it took the opposition seats. On the other hand, the civil powers should not adopt criticism for no other reason than to seek the failure of the president and his chosen government. Instead, they should direct their criticism as constructive advice to the president and his assistants to assist them in dealing efficiently with the burdens of rule. The aim of adopting the democratic path to choosing ruling powers after January 25 revolution was to have different parties competing in presenting the ideal programme for the development of Egypt. Therefore, it is unacceptable for both the ruling party and the opposition powers to turn this legal competition into a means of effecting the failure of the other party, even if at the cost of the country's future.
