DPA: Egyptian opposition in turmoil amid moves to democracy

By Pakinam Amer
dpa German Press Agency

Published: Saturday December 16, 2006

Cairo- Political reform in Egypt, although slow, has over the past year exposed serious flaws in opposition parties calling for greater democracy and freedom of speech. Observers noted that it was not just President Hosny Mubarak's ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) that placed obstacles in the way of what has been termed the "holy quest for democracy."

A few months before the year ended, the main opposition movement, the al-Wafd, showed how divided it was during a power struggle that was broadcast live.

Accusations, and even bullets, flew through the air as the party's heavyweights fought shamelessly for leadership.

The party headquarters was almost burnt down in the process, and al-Wafd members were injured.

The Al-Karama (Dignity) political group, a rising opposition force, damaged itself by publishing a controversial supplement to its newspaper that saluted Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi. To many in Egypt, Gaddafi is a dictator at the head of an authoritarian regime whose violations of human rights and international law are well documented.

But the supplement focused on his "accomplishments and legacy" under the headline "Thirty-seven years of achievements."

Critics noted an apparent contradiction between Gaddafi's authoritarian image and al-Karama's support for human rights and freedom of expression, and denouncing of oppressive regimes.

Hamdein Sabahi, the softly-spoken founder of al-Karama and member of the lower house of parliament, defended his party. "Strictly commercial" considerations were behind publication of the supplement, he said.

He rejected accusations of hypocrisy and double-standards.

Al-Karama regards itself as a continuing the ideas of Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Egyptian president who nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956 and was president during the 1967 Six-Day War against Israel.

Although the movement has developed a clear opposition presence, applications to become a legitimate party have been rejected by the Political Parties Court several times.

During one of the applications, Sabahi said the "repressive" NDP was behind the rejection of the applications.

But the Gaddafi affair has led to a loss of support.

Analysts have seen a link between the troubles of al-Wafd and al-Karama, saying that opposition groups have failed to present a model of democracy and commitment to their cause.

The troubles are not limited to these two movements, however. Thuggery, name-calling and lack of political transparency is common within other opposition groups.

Analysts note that calls by many political parties for greater democracy are contradicted by the behaviour of the party leaderships.

The Muslim Brotherhood, a non-militant group that has a slogan "Islam is the Solution," has succeeded in attracting many grassroots supporters who regard democracy almost as a new religion.

The movement keenly polishes its image, but it is at least questionable whether it upholds democratic principles internally.

Like many other rising opposition groups, the Muslim Brotherhood, which pledges social, economic, and political reform, has thus far failed to present an integrated and detailed reform programme.

Newspapers report internal disputes and unequal opportunity for members as preparations for internal elections get underway.

Information from the secretive Muslim Brotherhood about its plans and elections is scarce. Women are reportedly restricted to charity and development activities.

Their representation in politics is limited to a few faces that appeared during last year's parliamentary elections and then quickly disappeared.

A former Brotherhood member has spoken of how opposing views are booed and how the 80-year-olds are controlling internal affairs.

Even a seemingly close-knit group like the Kifaya (Enough) seems to be plagued by a similar disease.

Kifaya, a movement that was formed to combat corruption and NDP hegemony over politics, has always prided itself on being inclusive.

Intolerance is now driving young members to form their own independent offshoots, while others abandon the movement altogether.

In December, seven senior Kifaya members announced their split from the group, issuing a statement that the group suffered from "stagnation," and had not adopted a clear strategy.

Analysts suggest "real democracy" may be difficult to achieve for a country in transition, especially when corruption and prejudice are rampant in mainstream politics.

State repression may have contributed to this. Other say stagnation is inevitable, as political parties have been dormant for decades.

Observers nevertheless fear that if those who call themselves "revolutionaries" or "the resistance front" fail to practice what they preach, their supporters could lose faith and the status quo could manage to hang on to power.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency

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