The choice of democracy entails at least two things. The first is that it involves an elective process that reflects the choice of the majority. The second is that the voice of the majority rules. Regardless of agreement or disagreement among parties, the latest attacks on the outcome of elections in Egypt are alarming because they question those two basic premises. If the objecting parties had won, would the result be acceptable? Does democracy happen only when I win? What do I do if I lose? Will I give the winners the chance to serve and be judged by their actions? Critics of the Islamist parties in Egypt have been voicing their unease over their victory. Unfortunately, their sense of unease does not represent the voice of the majority who voted for the Islamist parties - their need for jobs, education, health care, housing, marriage among others. Despite efforts by the elected groups to calm the alarmists, the voices of this minority are often magnified to make it appear that they represent the majority of Egyptians. This reminds me of the shepherd's crying wolf. Eventually people stopped believing the screamer because he was generally thought of routinely making false alarms. If we truly believe in democracy, I think the proper action would be to give those who won in the election the chance to serve and be judged later. The victors who will lead the country should be given a chance to present their workable agenda and allow them to resolve problems. That's what they were elected for. Otherwise, those who elected them may no longer participate in the next elections. Meanwhile, the public must be vigilant but fair. If the Islamist parties fulfill their promises and rebuild Egypt, it will benefit everyone. If they don't come up to the people's expectations, they will lose in the next election. The Islamist parties might have their own vision of what's good for Egypt. Give them the chance to prove that their ideas will work to serve the interest of the public. Nobody will ever know if their plans will work or not if they are not given the chance. The minority must be vigilant to prevent that their rights are not trampled upon. Democracy is a rule by the majority but also rooted on the principle that the minority's rights are protected. That's democracy in action. Let us give democracy a chance. The author can be reach at [email protected] __
