SAMAR FATANY The Egyptian people today have greater expectations than in the past and are more hopeful that the election of the first civilian president will usher in a more prosperous future after 60 years of failed governments and disappointing leaders. There are many challenges facing the new people's revolution in Egypt and there are no certain solutions. However, it is very heartening for people in the rest of the world to see TV images of patriotic Egyptians who are determined to save the revolution and are striving to save their country from chaos and ruin. According to the latest reports from Tahrir Square, supporters of Dr. Mohamed Mursi, the newly elected president, voted for him because: “He fears God and he will do what is right.” President Mursi promised to “be a president for all Egyptians,” and to seek a “civil, democratic, constitutional and modern state.” He also promised to put an end to corruption and to build a nation by focusing on education, individual empowerment and the private sector. He must take immediate action to keep his promises and to eliminate the feeling of public resentment and mistrust that was prevalent toward the previous government. He must begin by restructuring government departments to achieve maximum efficiency and by appointing more qualified and less corrupt staff to implement much needed reforms. Managing and capitalizing on Egyptian human resources is a major task that could guarantee social justice and improve the standard of living of the Egyptian people. The aspirations of the Egyptian public must be met with concrete action and not merely with promises in order to gather trust and support for government reforms. Political analysts assert that the immediate challenge is restoring stability and enforcing law and order. The chaos and uncertainty of the past year have prompted thousands of citizens to flock to Tahrir Square to vent in peaceful disobedience their anger and rage at the state of affairs. They will no doubt support any positive change and policies that can provide them with a life of dignity and self respect. There is an immediate need to establish a more effective police force to end the state of lawlessness and to enhance professional police performance to protect the innocent and serve justice according to international standards of human rights. Moreover, it is crucial at this critical stage to achieve reconciliation between the different groups in society and to build trust between government and civil institutions which represent public interests and demands. The media must be allowed to voice people's concerns and frustrations. It should also play a more active role in creating a spirit of solidarity between Muslims and Copts to help them achieve their national goal of building a democratic country rather than driving them apart by publishing false, inflammatory accusations that cause conflict and mistrust. President Mursi must now reach out to the 50 percent of the population who did not vote for him, among them the secular, liberal, and Christian elements in Egyptian society, and assure them that their views and aspirations will be honored in a government of religious and political pluralism. All Egyptians should have an opportunity to influence change and contribute toward the progress of their country. The aspirations of the Egyptian youth should be met. They are the driving force of progress and development. The government should not trivialize their role or underestimate their aspirations. They represent the majority of the Egyptian people and they are no longer the silent majority. The young generation today represent a strong force that demands transparency and a commitment to implement better policies that serve their interests and address their concerns. They have overcome the element of fear that has for a long time kept the older generation subservient to dictators and corrupt leaders. The youth have created a large network to raise concerns and expose human rights violations. They will continue to do so until their demands are met. The new government officials need to accelerate social, economic and political reforms to relieve public frustrations and anxieties. Women also played an important role in the Egyptian revolt. They represent a new breed of young, vibrant, and more educated women They boldly stood by their brothers and colleagues and protested in Tahrir Square. They were online activists who reported daily events in Egypt and exposed government violations nationwide. The new government should make sure that qualified women have a voice in government and are allowed to play a more active role in building a stronger nation. The whole world is watching the developments of the peaceful Egyptian Revolution. The newly elected president has to act with wisdom and find quick solutions to end the state of chaos and instability in Egypt today. He needs to select the best of Egypt's men and women to help him save his country and take it to greater heights. All Arabs, and the global community, sincerely wish the new president success and our prayers are with the Egyptian people who deserve to be able to choose their leaders and hope for a prosperous future. There are many lessons to be learned from the Egyptian Revolution and the earlier revolutions in Tunis and Libya, as well as the uprisings in Yemen and Syria. The shocking events in these Arab failed states are all indications that no government can survive today without a policy of accountability and transparency. Human rights and freedom of speech are the order of the day. Policy makers must not insult people's intelligence and think they can get away with false promises and cosmetic changes. Governments can only succeed if they build trust and implement laws that provide justice for all, men and women, the poor and the rich, and the young and the old. Public discontent and frustration should be addressed with immediate reforms and concerted efforts to serve the interests and well-being of the common man rather than merely addressing the concerns of the wealthy. — Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
