Illiberalism in Egypt By Nicole Bork

Following a 2011 uprising, Egypt has been attempting a transition from autocratic dictatorship to reform-based democracy.

In wake of Hosni Mubarak’s resignation, Mohamed Morsi was elected as president in Constitutionally, Egypt is multi-party. Primary parties include the National Democratic Party (formerly led by Mubarak) and the Muslim Brotherhood-founded Freedom and Justice Party (headed by Morsi).

The current government under Morsi has only been in power since An election took place. There is speculation regarding how Morsi beat out former prime minister Ahmed Shafik for the position, as first post-Mubarak presidential elections’ exit polls suggested Morsi only favoured 25.5% of the vote. The country has only been a democracy since 2012.

A new Egyptian Constitution was signed December 2012, after being approved by Egyptian voters. The implementation followed two rounds of voting (with 32.9% voter turnout), passing via referendum. Nearly 303, 400 votes were discarded due to “voting irregularities”. This new Constitution has received mixed responses regarding the granting of equal rights under the law. Liberals, Christians and other minority opposition groups insist their voices were ignored and they feel excluded from the Constitution, while supporters are pleased with the Constitution’s protection of personal rights. Human Rights Watch claims the constitution “protects some rights but undermines others”, and “fails to end military trials of civilians or to protect freedom of expression and religion”. There is little to no protection for rights for minorities such as Christians.

Suffrage in Egypt is both universal and compulsory over the age of 18. Despite the threat that failure to vote can result in fine or imprisonment, only about 40% of the population is registered.

Egypt is infamous for highly publicized political corruption and suffered abuse of power under the Mubarak regime. The 2005 presidential election was marred by voter fraud, ballot stuffing, boycotts, intimidation, vote-buying and protests. Egypt’s judiciary system is independent.

Following the stepping down of Mubarak (who upped censorship application during the 18 day protests), Egypt supposedly began promoting freedom of the press. However, in August 2012, authorities put two critics of President Morsi on trial. Actions were also made against various mediums criticizing Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Unfortunately, basic freedoms and human rights are (even following the fall of Mubarak) being violated in Egypt. Police brutality and human rights violations (such as the prosecution of journalists) are common occurrences in Egypt as of Egypt reserves capital punishment under anti-terrorism legislation, as well as in cases of premeditated murder, rape and drug related offences. It is frequently enacted. Egypt is constantly criticized by nations such as the United States for their human rights violations.

The following is a summary of points of the attached CNN article by Salma Abdelaziz regarding the current political state of Egypt; -Specifically discusses the new 2012 Constitution. -Passed by referendum. -Many minorities’ rights not included. -Loyalties between Morsi and Mubarak still questioned. -Egypt still not secure.

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Bibliography Information Photographs; en.paperblog.com blog.amnestyusa.org