The Post-Mubarak Era

Democratic Front Party leader Osama Al-Ghazali Harb announced his willingness to run for Egyptian president. The announcement came during a debate amongst opposition parties and groups. Participants argued for the necessity of independent oversight of the elections, whether domestic or foreign. George Ishak stated his Campaign for Free and Fair Elections in Egypt has invited the Carter Institute to monitor Egypt’s upcoming elections, but final approval is up to the Egyptian government.

Nael Shama argues that questions over who will run for president should not overshadow the “more crucial” issue of political reform and governance in the post-Mubarak era. Shama contends, “to have a new man at the helm while the old political and legal structures remain intact would be nearly futile.” He argues that the end of the Mubarak presidency offers the perfect opportunity to “transition to a new era, characterized by democracy, liberty and the rule of law.” He specifically urges changes in the cumbersome requirements for a politicians to declare their presidential candidacy, the institution of term limits, judicial supervision of elections and the elimination of vague anti-terrorism laws.