JOIN USEgypt is roiled in violent crisis following President Mohamed Morsi recent power grab. A decree he issued a fortnight ago stripped the judiciary of any power to challenge his decisions. This brought the opposition, and pro-democracy and secular sections among the Egyptian public out on the streets. Protesters have clashed with police and Muslim Brotherhood activists and the death toll has started to climb. Although Morsi has offered to talk to the Opposition, few among them see it as a genuine attempt at ending the confrontation. This is because Morsi appears determined to ram through a new constitution that was crafted by an Islamist-dominated drafting committee. It was to ensure that the judiciary would not shoot down this constitution that the President stripped it of its powers. He has announced a referendum on this new constitution on December 15 and is set to go ahead with it, despite the opposition’s objections. Opposition leaders are arguing that the dialogue Morsi wants is meaningless as he is refusing to heed their demand for discussion of the draft constitution before putting it before the people for a referendum.
Many Egyptians were hoping that their new constitution would be a document evolved through democratic consensus. However, what is emerging is a constitution that was crafted by, of and for Islamists. Other voices have not been included as they pulled out or were forced out of the draft committee. While secular liberals can take heart that the draft constitution does not create a conservative Islamist theocracy, it does vest in the state the powers to enforce and preserve “morality.” How “morality” is defined, who will define it and how it will be achieved is left open and provides space for moral policing. Worryingly, the draft constitution does not protect women and minority rights, civil liberties or freedom of expression. The constitution vests in the executive enormous power. A referendum on Dec 15 will mean that there is little time for discussion of the constitution’s provisions or for educating people on what it holds. The majority of those who will vote in the referendum will therefore be largely ignorant on what it promises. This is just what the Muslim Brotherhood wants.
Morsi has accused the protestors of trying to dismantle his ‘legitimate government.’ Indeed he came to power through a democratic election. However, the legitimacy accorded by the election is being eroded by his undemocratic actions. Morsi must engage in unconditional talks with the opposition and provide room and time for debate on the draft constitution.