Egypt Must Unite, Strengthen Democratic Institutions

Egypt’s recent election is an opportunity to unite the country and strengthen democratic institutions, said Anwar El Sadat, chairman of Egypt’s Reform and Development Party, at a panel hosted by Freedom House and the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies on June 25.  Mohamed Elmenshawy from the Middle East Institute said the Egyptian people want a leader who is not out of touch with the people, although there is still a divide between Egyptian liberals and Islamists. Freedom House Egypt director Nancy Okail said that the election was not fully democratic, because SCAF will retain a large share of power over the executive and legislature. The first 100 days following the election will be crucial, she said, in determining whether President Mohamed Morsi lives up to his promises and holds on to power.

See photos here.
Listen to audio from the event here.