El Sadat: The Parliament Suffers Unprecedented Legislative Incompetence

Chairman of the Reform and Development Party Mohamed Anwar El Sadat declares that the Egyptian Parliament is witnessing unprecedented legislative shortcomings. This came after the Parliament's Spokesman presented in a press conference the legislative achievements up until the third plenary session. The recently-released law on sports, for instance, included some flaws that necessitated amending several articles. Consequently, Minister of Youth and Sport Dr. Ashraf Sobhy requested forming a committee to examine the law and redraft the articles which are considered for amendment. The civil society organizations law, approved by the parliament months ago and endorsed by President Sisi, has not been followed by its executive regulations until this moment. As a result, most of the civil society projects and activities, both locally and internationally, are in halt. Furthermore, some articles in the civil service law turned out to be in need of amendment to reconcile the status of several public employees and authorities.

El Sadat explained that the end result cannot be manifested in quantity or in the numbers of finalized laws. What really matters is the extent to which these laws' contents can be applicable for executive on the ground. Similarly important are precise written composition and professional writers. This is exactly what we are lacking at the moment, though we have exceptionally experienced personal in legislative drafting. Legislation is an extremely technical field with special rules which cannot be grasped by amateurs or beginners. Only those with the relevant experience and competence are capable of drafting sound laws, taking into consideration all the decisive various dimensions. Here we are now, stuck with numerous laws which are not feasible for implementation. Some laws are flawed, some encompass articles that need to be amended, and others cannot be translated into viable executive regulations. On the other hand, there are different laws which should be a top priority as stipulated in the constitution, however they have not been revealed and no one knows much about them. These laws are the ones on transitional justice, anti-discrimination commission and the municipalities.

El Sadat stated: It is unfortunately to witness many bizarre unprecedented phenomena under the parliamentary dome. Appointing a spokesman for the parliament is one of these phenomena. It has always been the norm that the Parliament President is the one who speaks on behalf of the House according to House of Representatives law and its internal bylaws. It additionally makes no sense that the MPs who deliberate on the national budget, are not allowed to access and discuss the parliament's budget, except for those sitting in the Planning and Budget Specialized Committee. The parliament does not need to demonstrate its achievements. Real accomplishments speak for themselves and can be sensed by citizens through following their representatives' stances and performance within the parliament. Will the Parliament be able to regain public trust?

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El Sadat: the Electoral System Should be decided in light of the Current Parliament's Practices and Performance

 

Chairman of the Reform and Development Party Mohamed Anwar El Sadat has confirmed that the ongoing restructuring of the municipalities' electoral system and the proposed amendments for the House of Representatives' law do not contribute to a sound political atmosphere. The mainstream tendency is in favor of a large increase in the absolute party lists- rather than the proportional- and a decrease in the individual candidacy. There are also deliberations to turn the majority coalition into a political party. However, the 

proportional open party lists together with a fair percentage for individual candidates is the proper system to support and strengthen political parties with effective member of parliaments and municipalities.

 

El Sadat mentioned that the absolute closed electoral system aims only at controlling and engineering the final outlook of the elected parliament. Many have backed this system because it is their only way to guarantee theirseats without any effort. We have seen that the party lists largely depend on popular figures and are completed with people who have no grassroots presence and are new comers to the political arena.

 

El Sadat added that we respect the legitimate right to amend the ratios allocated for the party and individual candidates. Nevertheless, we have to consider the electoral systems that generate representatives capable of addressing citizens' problems from day one and are determined to use their right to legislate and scrutinize, as it should be. Hence, the electoral law should be decided on the basis of its outcomes through participatory consultations and dialogue with all political parties.

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El Sadat addresses all peace loving countries and calls for establishing a religious complex in Sinai

I have lately received a message from Prof. Dr. Karl-Josef Kuschel, professor of theology and interfaith studies at the University of Tübingen in Germany. Professor Kuschel published a number of books and research papers in his field. Professor Kuschel wrote me inquiring whether Egypt has an intent and an actual plan to celebrate the 100 anniversary of the late President Mohamed Anwar El Sadat, born on the 25th of December in 1918. El Sadat’s centennial coincides with the former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt’s hundredth anniversary since he was born on the 23rd of December 1918. Former leaders shared a solid relationship, mutual respect and a common vision particularly regarding issues of peace, coexistence and freedom of faith.

I hereby urge the Egyptian state to revive President Sadat’s call to establish a religious complex in St. Catherine in Sinai encompassing a mosque, a church and a synagogue. I address in particular the following Egyptian national bodies; Al Azhar, the Church, the Jewish community, the Ministry of Culture and the library of Alexandria. The presence of a religious complex at this holy site will be considered as an ideal, a center for enlightenment, a beacon of knowledge, and a venue for the next generations. Such a religious complex will send the entire world a genuine message of all Abrahamic religions for tolerance. It will reinforce our faith that we all have one God and we are all sons of Abraham. 

The current state of regional and international affairs necessitates creating an atmosphere of tolerance, coexistence, anti-violence and anti-hatred. These are essential principles of all religions. There is an opportune time to instate such an intellectual and civilizational beacon and we are in dire need of it.

I am inviting governments of other countries, organizations concerned with interreligious dialogue and all advocates for peaceful values to contact us in order to form a task force to work on this proposal which can be best harnessed and embodied by founding a religious complex in Sinai, the cradle of civilization and the land of messengers. This religious complex will be a nucleus of a new society based on respecting diversity and freedom of faith as well as denouncing violence and extremism. Let us stand together in reviving such grand values which are very quickly fading away in our societies. We are looking forward to your participation in any capacity so that we can offer one exemplary and beneficial contribution to the coming generations.

Mohamed Anwar El Sadat

Chairman of El Sadat Association for Social Development

Cairo - Egypt

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The Role of the Citizen and the State

We are a few days shy of the end of the Presidential elections when the results will be announced and a new presidential term will start. Until the election days scheduled for 26-27-28 March, a lot of attention and effort to all citizens is being paid by candidates and state institutions, especially the media, to encourage them to participate in the vote, ensuring high voter turn out and unification around a better future for Egypt.

Will we continue to witness the same level of attention to citizens, their vote, and their participation? Or will the popular Egyptian saying "We forget you at weddings but invite you for grievances" apply noting the only difference being that the elections are an important source of happiness. Will state institutions and the media, parliament, and businessmen continue to be united and inclusive regarding other social issues as they are now? No one is contesting the importance of the Presidential elections and the required publicity surrounding it and we do not blame those who are racing to mobilize the public to vote, we do however wish to see the same spirit in racing towards achieving other issues and priorities amidst real public participation. We have many important issues that deserve a public dialogue, priority setting, and real effort to be accomplished.

Mohamed Anwar El Sadat

President of the Reform and Development Party

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Waiting for the President's Speech As Voting Approaches

We are anticipating that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi will speak to the public and voters about his program and plans for his second presidential term with regards to the democratic transition, political practice, and respect to human rights in the country of justice, law, and equality. Additionally, we look forward to hearing about what has been achieved in economic development and social equality to improve the living standards of Egyptians and guarantee the real participation of elected state institutions and civil society in setting the priorities of development and reform so that everyone would feel like the public is participating and is being listened to when it comes to strategic decisions.

Will we witness that soon? Let's wait and see.

Mohamed Anwar El Sadat

President of the Reform and Development Party

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Intimidated Opposition

The presence of political opposition in any society is a healthy indicator of a functioning, pluralistic, political environment. Through the channels of open dialogue and public discourse, the participation of political opponents contributes positively to the experience of democratic governance. In fact, political opposition has often proven integral to the insurance of political stability through the promotion of social, economic, and political development, the preservation of security through inclusion, and the advancement of citizens' rights.

In light of this common knowledge, the question must be asked whether or not it is truly beneficial to declare war on any and all opposition to the current political regime? Is it truly beneficial to demonize the opposition and equate them with traitors, spies, and declare them enemies against the State? Is it truly beneficial to promote an anti-opposition propaganda that completely diminishes the capacity of political inclusion to promote the rights of the individual and the development of a nation?

The anti-opposition rhetoric, adopted by many regimes before this one, has, unfortunately, once again become broadly believed by the public. As a result, the opposition stands in the shadows, almost ashamed to differ from the rhetoric of the mainstream. In this restrictive atmosphere, the rights to think and speak freely have come to no longer exist in the face of forced silence. 

Do we not ask ourselves, even if only once, why it is that politicians and scholars alike, completely at odds with the Brotherhood, resort to the use of religious venues and otherwise marginalized media outlets to be heard? Do we not question the impact of our mistreatment of foreign journalists on our relationships with other countries?

In the face of the State's looming approach to political opposition, many within the political arena have reached disheartening conclusions, and have decided to withdraw from, and boycott, the upcoming Presidential elections. I have never personally supported the idea of boycotting elections. Throughout my political career, as documented in all of my interviews and conferences, (including my most recent conference announcing my withdrawal as a Presidential candidate), I have strongly encouraged and emphasized the importance of political participation.

It is of the utmost importance that we emphasize the distinction between political opposition and those who would plot against the State. Where the first is a healthy indicator of an inclusive and constructive political environment, there is no room for the second. Egyptians, in all of our sectors and ideologies, remain loyal to the sovereignty and well being of Egypt as our home, and aim to work towards its betterment on a daily basis. There is no ideological monopoly on patriotism, for it takes many forms, and it is when the many mechanisms of patriotism work together that real progress can be achieved. 

Dear colleagues, any political environment should resemble the changing seasons, yet there remains a deadlock born of mistrust, fabricated conspiracies, and accusations of treason. Under no circumstances is the alienation and criminalization of those who differ in opinion beneficial to sound governance.

History stands witness to the successes and failures of every President that has faced the challenges and circumstances of their time. Gamal Abdul Nasser both succeed and failed during his Presidency, as did Anwar El Sadat, Husni Mubarak, and President El Sisi. To point out the short-comings of President El Sisi, so that they may be addressed and overcome, does not mean that the opposition does not support the President, and it does not mean that they do not support the well being of the State. In this regard, the Egyptian opposition is neither required to join the ranks of those who unconditionally support the current regime, nor are they required to be lost between fear and doing their job. 

Will this intimidating atmosphere change after the Presidential elections, and will Egypt's politics become more inclusive again? Or will this stubborn policy of brute force persist? I choose to be hopeful.

Mohamed Anwar El Sadat

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Dialogue is the Answer

With increasing anger and the political freeze happening in Egypt in light of the Presidential Elections, there are important questions: Till when will this situation continue? How will we end this situation?

I see that it is time for everyone to take part in a serious national dialogue to avoid escalations and clashes. There is no doubt that all political forces in the opposition, intellectuals, and regular citizens know the magnitude of challenges facing the Egyptian state; in the security sector and the fight against terrorism, and in the economic sector as well. However, it is also important not to forget the political situation and the importance of a fair chance of public participation through real independent institutions. There is no other way to build a new, civil, and democratic state.

The more important question is: Who should call for dialogue? It is natural for President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to adopt this initiative. He is the current and upcoming president and the only one with the ability to absorb everyone, remove anger, and melt the political freeze that we are living, which is similar to a blood clot around the heart, if left uncontrolled, the whole body will be in danger.

I see that there is still a chance for reunification, unity, and knowing the challenges we are facing to build a new Egyptian roadmap on the basis of participation, not elimination, opening the political and media fields not closing them, accepting the other and listening to him not eliminating him from the scene, opening access to information not blocking it. The president, no matter his qualifications, cannot succeed on his own. This change requires the participation of everyone in managing state affairs without elimination or discrimination and under a democratic environment that respects the constitution and rule of law.

Mohamed Anwar El Sadat

President of the Reform and Development Party

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Sadat calls for the disclosure of information on loans and grants received by the government in 2017 together with the Statement of Account and achievements of the President in 4 years

On the occasion of the end of this year 2017 and the coming of a new year, Mr. Mohamed Anwar Sadat, Head of Reform and Development Party (RDP) asked the Egyptian government to disclose the grants and loans received or concluded during the current year and the aspects of disbursement and the stance of the House of Representatives towards those grants and loans to be presented before the Parliament pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution and Conventions. 

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Sadat said that the Egyptian government borrowed this year in a frightening manner and without a clear and effective plan to counter debt and its interest, including the issuance of treasury bills and dollar bonds abroad, which negatively affect generations to come. Moreover, some of these loans were presented to parliament months after they came into force. After taking the first and second tranche of them, we do not know where such money and deposits were spent.

Sadat explained that internal and external loans have increased dangerously. Every regime comes with its government and takes whatever economic decisions it wishes without discussion or oversight even from the elected parliament of the people whom this role is assigned. Thus, the sources of funding for national projects, such as the new administrative capital and others, their real cost and the return thereof, and the reconsideration of economic and financial affairs, should be revealed by inviting and listening to some Egyptian experts with different views. Also, we should cease resorting to Borrowing, and seek real alternatives, engaging the people and civil society. We should be informed of the reality of the economic and financial situation through dialogue and open discussions in which everyone participates.

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El-Sadat: On the visit of the Ethiopian Prime Minister to Egypt in the coming weeks

Anwar El-Sadat, Head of the Reform and Development Party (RDP), said that after the visit of the Ethiopian Ambassador in Cairo to the Egyptian Parliament last week, he met with Members of the African Commission for discussion on the issue of Al-Nahda Dam and how to regain and build confidence, I advise and alert members of the House of Representatives of the diligence and caution of their involvement in the receptions of the Ethiopian delegations. Also, it is advisable to remember the visit of the Saudi King to Parliament before as it ended up with signing handover of the islands of Tiran and Sanafir.

"Our experience with the Ethiopian government has shown their intransigence," he said. "It is necessary to announce in advance respect to the international and historical agreements and ensure Egypt's share of water before any plans for visits and receptions so that we will not fall into failed negotiations more than 17 times. Our water is our life.

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