A conscious and active participation in political life is the essence of democracy. Therefore, when Egyptians turn out tomorrow to cast their vote in the referendum on the proposed Constitutional amendments they will be adopting democratic practices as well as expressing keenness on protecting the interests of their homeland.

As Egyptians cast their vote, they should realize that these amendments mark a watershed in their march towards the future.

In his speech in Assuit yesterday, President Hosni Mubarak said that, by introducing those amendments, which represent the most extensive in the history of Egypt's struggle, an historic step has been taken towards consolidating democracy.

Although the People's Assembly has already endorsed the amendments, the Egyptian people still has final say.

In his speech yesterday the President has spotlighted the following:
First: The amendments are the end-result of in-depth discussions held over 20 months. MPs, intellectuals and representatives of civil society have freely spoken their minds in a new climate of democracy.

Secondly: The ultimate goal behind any kind of Constitutional reform is the solidification of the people's will. Hence the quest to promote Parliament role in monitoring the performance of the Executive Authority, represented in the President and the government.

Thirdly: The amendments set the scene for a new anti-terror law, which foils terrorist schemes, without resorting to the Emergency Law.

Fourthly: The amendments put an end to confusing politics with religion, and foil all schemes seeking to tear up the fabric of national unity between Muslims and Christians in Egypt.

The people will give their final word tomorrow on the Constitutional amendments. They will say it out of their right to practicing democracy and in protection of the supreme interests of both Egypt and Egyptians.

Editorial
Al-Ahram
Saturday, March25, 2007