The constitutional amendments called for by President Mubarak focus on enhancement of the citizenship principle considering that all citizens are equal before the law in rights and duties without discrimination based on creed or religion.

In this regard, the constitutional the amendments include amendment of article 1 of constitution to confirm that the system of the State is based on the principle of citizenship as the base for rights and duties. It is also related to the amendment of article 5 to ban the exercise of any political or partisan activity or the establishment of parties on the basis of religion, gender or origin.

The notion of citizenship dates back to the era of Mohammad Ali who established the Egyptian national army and supported the idea of independence. It also appeared through the participation of all Egyptians in the Revolution of 1919 and the appearance of 1923 constitution. During this period, the Egyptians succeeded to achieve the independence and constitution.

After the Revolution of 1952, the new political system exercised the policy of the one-party and focused on the social development through providing the opportunity of free-of-charge education and participation of workers and farmers with no less than 50% in the Representative Councils.

Amendment of articles 1 and 5 of the Constitution must consider some definitions of citizenship as follows:

- Citizenship shall be achieved when people participate in ruling and have a share in the Authority and State posts.
- Development of citizenship is a political issue as the political citizenship is the highest form of citizenship.

The coming stage must focus on supporting the institutional construction in the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)which may play a role in creating a new generation of leaders who believe in pluralism and variety. It also must stress role of NGOs in implementing the developmental projects provided that they shall include Muslims and Christians to work together for the progress of the society.

By: Hammad Abdullah Hammad
Akhbar Al Youm