There are numerous articles and news item coming out recently about the draft Constitution of Egypt that is under a referendum by the people at present in Egypt.
Opponents of Egypt's first democratic Islamic government that has been in power only for less than six months are trying to raise alarms and Objections regarding the ability of the government to install a system and institutions that will bring Egypt out of the morass of many years of dictatorship and black laws of past regime. The changes in the system require some major overhauls and encompasses a vast array of sectors. These include both social and economic while keeping in perspective the security and urgency of the change in the federal system.
Some of the countries in the neighborhood of Egypt who supported the past dictatorial regimes and received preferential treatments from Egypt are in the fore front to provide support to anti-change forces and are in fact supporting them with money and training to disrupt the success of the new government in the office.
Typical excuses are being raised in the context of Islamophobia and rights of minorities. The people of Egypt overwhelmingly rejected these forces of negativity in the Elections. They knew what they voted for to ensure that a positive change of the system is implemented that will ensure to root out corruption and mismanagement that has plagued the nation over the years.
The Muslim brotherhood has over the years established itself as an entity that had protested and challenged the corrupt system of past governments. In addition Brotherhood had established a system of honest dealing within its ranks and with others including the minorities of Egypt based on their religious social teachings of Islam. The reputation established as honest brokers attracted the majority of people of Egypt to vote for the brotherhood candidates and bring them to power.
An Islamic Sharia based system is based on checks and balances. It is based on protection of rights of all and above all it is based on honesty truthfullnessi n dealing with the establishment of a just society where all citizen can feel safe and the state is answerable and accountable for its actions. The focus is not simply on trust in human values but also based on feeling of being accountable in front of a Divine authority above all mankind for ones deeds and actions. This puts a much bigger responsibility on the ruling class when weighed in terms of their acts to install a system based on laws of Islamic Sharia that are based on honesty and truthfullness and accountability.
The Islamic Sharia is not simply based on following a set of edicts written in a book but is also based on common sense and interpretation of the present circumstances that require a thoughtful approach. This is exactly in accordance with the teaching of Islam that allows man to understand and interpret a circumstance based on a present situation and apply the laws based for a best over all outcome of the results. In this context experts on religious and social aspects of the society are used in an advisory role. The constitution based on Sharia is just like any other constitution that cannot address each every possible circumstance in its writing but it can provide enough breadth and broad guidelines to references in order to address specific situations based on support from collective expert advice. This is why the government of Egypt is including religious and social experts on the advisory counsel to address such situations in the future.
Typical lame excuses raised by those who oppose the new government are women's rights and rights of minorities. A look at the constitution suggests that these aspects have been described in the constitution very reasonably and in a broad sense of the term are addressed.
Here is what it says [1]
Three —
The individual’s dignity is an extension of the nation’s dignity. Further, there is no dignity for a country in which women are not honored; women are the sisters of men and partners in all national gains and responsibilitiesFive —
Equality and equal opportunities are established for all citizens, men and women, without discrimination or nepotism or preferential treatment, in both rights and duties.Article 10
The family is the basis of the society and is founded on religion, morality and patriotism.The State is keen to preserve the genuine character of the Egyptian family, its cohesion and stability, and to protect its moral values, all as regulated by law.
The State shall ensure maternal and child health services free of charge, and enable the reconciliation between the duties of a woman toward her family and her work.
The State shall provide special care and protection to female breadwinners, divorced women and widows
NON-Muslim Minorities that are less than or at th most 10% of the population of Egypt [2] (major minority being Coptic Christians) have been recognised with a clause in the Constitution.
Here is what it has to say [1]
Article 3
The canon principles of Egyptian Christians and Jews are the main source of legislation for their personal status laws, religious affairs, and the selection of their spiritual leaders.
The constitution covers very broadly the citizen state relationship for the betterment of both. This includes an independent judiciary, rule of law, upholding the rights of all citizens. [1]
Six —
The rule of law is the basis of the individual’s freedom, the legitimacy of authority, and the state’s respect of the law. No power shall override that of righteousness, and the judiciary shall be independent, bearer of the honorable mission of defending the Constitution, upholding justice, and preserving rights and freedoms.Seven —
Upholding national unity is an obligation, and the cornerstone of building a modern Egypt and the path to progress and development. To that end, the values of tolerance and moderation shall be spread, and the rights and freedoms of all citizens shall be protected without discrimination
The Constitution ensures that the military armed forces of the nation focus on the defence of the homeland and are a source and sense of protection for its citizens rather than a a political tool as was used by the past dictator regime. [1]
Eight —
Defending the nation is a duty and an honor. Our Armed Forces form a professional and neutral national institution that does not interfere in political affairs. It is the protective shield of the country.
In a summary the New Constitution is a good starting point for Egypt. Just as any other part of the world, constitutions are considered as a broad document of rules by which a state directs itself in achievement of progress. It does not cover each and every detail.
Unfortunately those who are opposing this effort in Egypt (Specifically the other countries trying to create a chaotic environment) are picking on specific issues and trying to muddy it up in the big picture of things. Just like any other place in the world laws are change and adopted based on the future needs, Egypt and its constitution are a continued process and if necessary constitution can be amended and approved based on the broad needs of the nation.
Continued opposition with nit picking tactics will not work. Opposition should come up with positive inputs through its elected representatives and not just act to oppose simply for the sake of disturbing, creating chaos and acts of foolish bravado of destroying or damaging public property or hurt other people.
Another well known opposition tactic is to create false alarms, smoke screens, raise the expectations and levels of fear, throw aspersions and suspicions to create a sense of insecurity through sarcastic statements.
Of course these tactics have been well tried in the past and a mature nation and its citizens do reject such tactics. The majority People of Egypt are now more politically mature and trust the Muslim Brotherhood in establishing a just and lawful society in the greater interests of the nation.
[1]- http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-s-draft-constitution-translated
