As the constitution referendum is getting closer, columnists have analysed the extent to which Islamist groups strive to pass the constitution. Several writers have condemned the idea of moving forward with the referendum encouraging Egyptians to vote ‘No’ rather than boycotting.
Looking forward to the constitutional referendum, Hussein encourages the readers to vote ‘No’ and not to boycott the ballot box. He argues that in politics, one is often limited to choosing between the lesser of two evils rather than between what’s good and what’s bad. Boycotting the referendum means that Islamist groups will easily be able to pass their desired constitution without exerting even the minimum efforts of mobilising their people to vote ‘Yes’.
The Muslim Brotherhood and Salafis are scared of the mobilisation of secular groups and the constitution passing with less than 60 per cent. This fear has urged the Muslim Brotherhood to freeze the recent presidential decree to raise taxes on some commodities.
The columnist argues that if voters boycott the referendum, the constitution will pass, adding more strength to Islamist groups. Salafis will show up saying that Egyptians have chosen this constitution and that everyone should respect the results of the ballot box.
Promoting the idea of voting ‘No’, Hussein says, will give Egyptians another chance of rewriting the constitution while standing on much more solid ground. Secular groups will also have the chance to realise their actual capabilities of mobilisation if voting ‘No’. The columnist finally states that he wishes to see secular groups mixing their call to vote ‘No’ with a parallel discussion with the presidency to reach an accord on the controversial articles in the constitution.
