Editorial
Protests in Egypt
People's craving for democracy still unmet
The departure of President Hosni Mubarak from the Egyptian Presidency has not in any way paved the way for peace and stability in the country. Protestors continue to oppose the military rule, causing bloodshed, threatening the first free parliamentary elections in Egypt which are scheduled to start next week. Clashes between the protestors and the police have caused the worst uprising since the Arab Spring uprising, killing 33 people so far.
The army, who contributed to ending the Mubarak regime seems keen to set new constitutional principles which keep it beyond civilian control. This principle is not one which is acceptable to the public, who are demanding the installation of a civilian government right away. Furthermore, many civilians feel that the electoral process will not be free of military influence.
One of the alleged claims by the Islamists, who are expected to fare well in the elections, is that the army is intentionally causing political unrest in order to remain in power longer.
The irony of this situation is that scores of protestors gathered together in Tahrir Square nine months ago asking President Mubarak to step down and that today, the situation is coming to a boil again. This time around, the protestors are asking for the resignation of the country's military leadership. The general sentiment is that the revolution is still unfinished and that protests against the military present even more difficulties than ousting one single leader. Till now, neither the protestors nor the military seem to be ready to relent.
There are no doubts that the Egyptian people are anxiously awaiting a democratically elected process, after years and years of oppressive rule. It is our feeling that it is high time they are allowed this freedom and that the military should step aside for this process to occur.
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