Egypt: 18 years under the reign of Mubarak
Egypt, Politics, 9/24/1999

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak joins the referendum campaign for a fourth presidential term of office due to be made on September 26.

The issue of internal stability was a main cause which has been the preoccupation of the country since he assumed power in 1981. Mubarak inherited a comprehensive crisis resulting from arresting opposition leaders, freezing "party" activities and suspending "party" papers from being released following fierce confrontations between the late Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat and those who opposed him.

The first and second terms of office for Mubarak in Egypt witnessed important democratic developments, during which the opposition could have the highest representation in the parliament. In 1987 - 1990 the opposition occupied 90 seats, though the leftists kept during all that period outside the political equation.

With the increase in the number of parties from 5 to 14, the political controversy moved from a phase of confrontation with the state to the level of disputes concerning the government's policies, in the framework of commitment to constitutional legitimacy basics, and this approach resulted in the representation of all opposition parties in the parliament.

There is a demand raised by the opposition to amend the constitution to convert the country into a parliamentary republic, in order to expand their political contribution to Egypt, a concept approved by the government and the opposition, despite the fact the two sides differ on methods and the timing.

The issue of violence is considered one of the most dangerous and important obstacles that has faced President Mubarak. Despite the emergence of disputes over explanations of the reasons behind this phenomenon, the country has been almost of a unanimous stand of condemning it. Egypt under Mubarak has succeeded in controlling terrorism which had served to destabilize major economic sectors that Egypt relies on for its development, with the increasing understanding by those perpetuating the violence that they harm Egypt by their acts.

The area of democratic work in Egypt has been expanded with the emergence of human rights groups which have introduced the concept and importance of "civil society." Much controversy has surrounded the new laws governing non-governmental organizations, in terms of the freedom they offer these organizations. However, Egyptian authorities expressed understanding to the vital service these entities perform to the proper development and well-being of Egypt and as such have indicated that as long as the concern of the government is met (in guarding against such things as foreign control of these organizations), then these organizations will not have difficulty in being licensed and practicing their role.

During the period of President Mubarak's rule, economic and social conditions have occupied the forefront of his priorities since the beginning of the 1990s, with the beginning of implementing the program to liberalize the economy and thereby ending policies perpetuated by the July revolution of 1952.

On the economic level, the economic liberalization program contributed to reducing the budget deficit and inflation rates and to achieving monetary stability. The economic growth rate has been very positive propelling Egypt to be upgraded in status at the world bank due to its success in rasing the per capita income to a middle income country. Egypt has shown great focus on making sure that it is capable of exporting products, and has pursued this with great vigor joining important regional and international organizations that provide advantages to Egyptian business that seek to export.

In the process, Egypt has increased its exports of industrial products considerably over the past 18 years. Fast growth nonetheless has side effects in that greater inequity develops between citizens. It is clear also that the answer to these problems inherent in a free market is to increase social safety net services commensurate with the growth of the economy, and towards that end, Egypt has given indication to the importance of addressing these social issues that can interfere positively or negatively with the environment that makes a vibrant free market economy sustainable in the long run.

There is a vitality to Egypt that is becoming more apparent recently. It comes from an open culture that is more practical than ideological in its basic manners and that is temperate in its instincts toward political, economic and social ideas, combined with the free economy, a fairly open media and access to information, and a government that has shown great ability to adjust to current developments and to take advantage of available opportunities in the economic and political fields.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has promised to "consolidate the conception of democracy and protect it," during his fourth constitutional term which will last for four years. He said, "We will work for improving democratic practices and expanding them in the framework of certain principles," which are freedom from conformity, the importance of having the special Egyptian democracy and continued role of institutions, rule of law, independent judiciary, the need to have democracy inside the parties with the importance of renewing the blood of these parties, availing the chance for the new generations and pledging to permit more "democratic practices."

Mubarak said, "Genuine democracy is based on raising the social, cultural and economic level of all citizens." He added, "There is no complete democracy in the world, and implementing democracy in our country does not necessitate it to be like that in America, Britain or Europe. Each country has its own nature, principles, morals, conditions and popular traditions."

Egypt lies at the heart of a crossing between Asia, Africa and Europe. Coupled with its population size, its successfully-developing economy, its social and economic and military standing have grown dramatically. Egypt now can be said to be the quiet regional superpower, not based on any one factor alone, but on a multitude of factors, political, economic and strategic. As such, Egypt is the true backbone of the skeleton of the Arab states. This cannot be attributed to good luck, but rather to very astute policy that has managed to propel Egypt to its current status.

Because of Egypt's success, Egypt has and will continue to attract forces that will seek to derail its development. This will come in a variety of forms that are not likely to be too obvious, but below the surface. These forces will seek to either destabilize Egypt internally, stunt its economy from the outside, or prevent its ascendance militarily. Egypt, however, has shown an increasing ability to rebuff these efforts and will need to muster its best to continue to provide the internal and external environment that makes possible economic development that is at the true heart of its ascendance and that will provide the environment for bringing Egypt into the realm of industrialized economies and democratic nations.

President Mubarak, uniquely among many leaders in the region, has been willing to openly and honestly speak about the important issues relating to Egypt and the Arab states. This is a sign that bodes well for the future, as it assures openness, and that future problems and challenges will be dealt with.

Previous Stories:
  Egypt hosts signing of revised Wye memorandum   (9/6/1999)
  Mubarak addresses privatization projects, investment and future changes   (8/26/1999)
  Mega-project the heart of desert , 250,000 job opportunities, housing 2.5 million people   (8/16/1999)
  World Bank lends Egypt last low interest loan worth $550 million   (7/29/1999)
  Mubarak: Opportunity for peace should not be missed   (7/1/1999)
  Pope Shenuda: No persecution of Copts, and we do not accept foreign intervention   (6/24/1999)
  Suzanne Mubarak highlights role of non-governmental organizations in social development   (5/31/1999)
  Egyptian Parliament approves NGO bill , Answers Allegations   (5/27/1999)
  Egypt officially joins COMESA   (1/7/1999)
  Egyptian parliamentary delegation visits Iran for the first time since 1979   (12/14/1998)
  Mubarak concludes visit to Ankara   (12/7/1998)
  Report: Mubarak warns against terrorism, Israeli policy, and Sudan's government   (10/1/1998)

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