Looking at how the presidency chose to deal with last week’s turmoil, it has become increasingly difficult to find a silver lining. The dreadful sight of Egyptians killing one another over political beliefs with such conviction is unprecedented, and it makes me sick to see politicians use that to further their agendas with absolute disregard to the sanctity of human life.
Throughout last week, a number of Morsy’s consultants tendered their resignations, protesting his method in handling the mess, announcing that none of them were aware of the controversial declaration, even his own vice-president admitted being completely oblivious to anything of the sort.
It has become unequivocally evident that the organisation of the Muslim Brotherhood is the sole decision-making body. Not that it comes as a surprise to me personally, but for those who still had doubts about the president’s allegiance, it is more than clear now that it belongs not to all Egyptians.
The worst part is that the reality of the conflict has nothing to do with Shari’a, yet it is being framed in that context to mobilise the masses for whatever purpose, be it protesting, (literally) fighting the opposition or just casting a vote.
It is much simpler to hold strong convictions when everyone who doesn’t share your point of view is deemed an infidel, a remnant of the old regime or a paid conspirator planning the destruction of the nation. How is it that there is always a conspiracy that only the ruler is privy to?
When he took the podium last Thursday to address the nation, he stated that police arrested many of those responsible for the thuggery that took place in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace during the protests. That is an outright lie. The police did not arrest anyone; protesters were delivered to police stations after being beaten, tortured and held captive, only to be released Saturday because there were no legitimate charges to keep them.
“Why are you opposed to a referendum on the constitutional draft? The majority will decide, isn’t that what democracy is all about?” That is the gist of the argument currently being used by the majority of Islamist politicians.
Allow me to ask then, where was democracy when the “devout” president broke his oath to “sincerely maintain the republican system and to respect the constitution and law,” grabbing legislative power and placing the judiciary on the shelf indefinitely. How can he speak of democracy after this self-proclaimed autocracy? Has he no shame?
Judges who supervise elections usually get paid EGP 2,000. But, those who agreed to supervise Morsy’s unpopular referendum are to receive more than EGP 10,000 according to the influential Judges Club. What does that say about Morsy’s avowed war on corruption? Apparently, bribery and corruption are Shari’a-compliant when they serve the agenda of the ruler.
While I agree that calls to depose Morsy are neither constructive nor realistic, I do believe that he’s lost the trust of the people. And without that, he will find it very difficult to remain in office.
