The current Egyptian dilemma between prioritizing drafting the constitution, or holding parliamentary elections was evident at the conference scheduled for Friday at Alexandria Stadium. As Dr. Yehia al-Gamal entered the hall, the youth of the revolution began chanting, demanding the constitution be drafted before holding the elections. Families of the martyrs also chanted, demanding the prosecution of those who killed peaceful demonstrators during the January 25 Revolution. This led to clashes with stadium security. Amid the chaos, a child managed to climb onstage, take the microphone and chant, "No constitution, no elections—punishment for criminals first!" Al-Gamal tried to contain the situation by threatening to leave and cancel the conference. Al-Gamal responded to the demands of the martyrs' families by saying prosecution of defendants is the responsibility of the justice system, and the government cannot interfere in its decision. This statement provoked those in attendance to demand he leave the conference. Al-Gamal emphasized that the Egyptians should adhere to the Constitutional Proclamation that currently rules the country, which says parliamentary elections should be held first. He demanded those who support drafting the constitution first to convince the Military Council to amend the Constitutional Proclamation. Al-Gamal refused the idea of immediate reform, saying the process should be gradual to cope with reality and logistics. He stressed the necessity of opening a dialogue between different political powers. The conference was attended by Effat al-Sadat, the chairman of the club, Amr Shoki, an official of the Ministry of Youth and Sport in Alexandria and Hala Mustafa, a prominent journalist. The youth of the revolution protested against the attendance of Hala Mustafa, a former member of the dissolved National Democratic Party, but she confirmed she resigned from the former ruling party three years ago.
