Summary of Important ICDS Weekly Forums during the Month of November

Participants in November's first weekly forum discussed the way in which both the general population and even many government officials are kept isolated from the political life of the country. They then moved on to examine the extent to which this is responsible for the state of political and economic stagnation that Egypt currently endures. The general population has become politically apathetic after decades of being excluded from meaningful participation in political decision making. So long as the Egyptian constitution is ignored and citizens have no way to effectively voice their opinions or hold their government accountable, there is little motivation to engage in political affairs. Weak educational institutions and civil society organizations remain unable to inspire citizens to become more active. Moreover, ubiquitous corruption in the government has caused citizens to look upon all elected officials with misgivings and often disgust. Without a system to monitor and prosecute cases of corruption, there is little hope of improvement.

In another weekly forum, Ken Wollack, president of the National Democratic Institute for InternationalAffairs (NDI) was a guest participant. In June, NDI opened a field office in Cairo and has since been offering its technical expertise to the efforts of domestic monitors. Mr. Wolllack lauded these monitors' efforts in both the presidential and parliamentary elections, stressing the important role civil society has played in reporting on the administration of Egypt's elections. Mr. Wollack noted that ICEM press statements offer one of the best accounts of both the improvements which have taken place and the deficiencies which need future correction.

He also suggested that the civil society organizations along with the thousands of monitors they have trained must begin to think of how they will remain politically engaged after the elections and build on their outstanding accomplishments. Given the knowledge civil society has gained of the election process and their increased capacity, Mr. Wollack suggested that civil society should consider a campaign to offer their advice on reforming electoral law. This effort could include focus groups and other civic forums which would offer the chance for ordinary citizens to voice their own concerns and suggestions.