Three days after President Morsi released his constitutional declaration, which caused a rift in the ranks of Egyptians, the president held a meeting with his ‘advisory board' to discuss the repercussions and reactions to his ‘shocking' declaration. Although shura (consultation) is a basic principle of ruling in Islam, Morsi, who hails from a group acting out of a religious background, seems to have his own interpretation of it. His advisers and assistants said they had not been consulted beforehand and had no knowledge whatsoever. Yet Morsi summoned the board with such a good conscience to discuss the reactions to the declaration that ironically includes an item giving immunity to his decrees issued since assuming office until the constitution is endorsed. A few months ago, when the presidential race was at its peak, some candidates, including Morsi, talked extensively about an advisory circle that would be instrumental in the process of presidential decision-making as a step towards democracy. The idea at the time was much to the satisfaction of the people, who were up with the one-man show that had run the country for several decades. The promised advisory team was indeed formed, comprising 17 consultants and 4 assistants with different political affiliations. But the latest turn of events has proven that the board is nothing but a mere decorative element to create an illusion of democracy. A couple of team members have already resigned in protest of the declaration and in objection to being the last to know about the president's decisions. Others are expected to follow suit. Apparently, the president has other consultants than the ones he appointed, and they advised him badly about such a disastrous declaration that is bound to drag the country into God knows what.
