Is Egypt ready for democracy?
We discuss who really stands to gain in this post-revolution era – the people or the politicians.
An estimated 30 million people have voted in Egypt’s constitutional referendum, the first democratic process since the fall of Hosni Mubarak – a number in stark contrast to the six million who voted in November’s parliamentary elections.
Indications are that the people are overwhelmingly in favour of immediately amending sections of the constitution. This will mean an end to military rule and fresh elections within six months.
Though largely without incident, the day was marred by reports of an attack on Mohamed ElBaradei, a potential presidential candidate.
And although everyone has said they will accept the outcome, whatever it may be, the question remains: Is Egypt fully prepared for real democracy?
As the country braces for the next phase of developing democracy, will the divisions that appeared during the short referendum campaign deepen? And who really stands to gain in this post-revolution era – the people or the politicians?
Inside Story, with presenter Mike Hanna, discusses with guests: Gigi Ibrahim, a political activist; Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a blogger; and Ali Abdel Wahab, a political activist.
This episode of Inside Story aired from Sunday, March 20, 2011.