Dr. Mufid Shihab is one of the most prominent figures in the Egyptian "political kitchen"; he is the Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs and a member the political committee of the ruling National Democratic Party. In his capacity as a senior government official, he stresses that the "succession" file does not exist within the party or the government. He says that the matter is not being discussed in the corridors of power, because there was no intention for succession in the first place.
Dr Shihab describes the talk about "succession" as a kind of political illusion that some political private newspapers and satellite channels live in. They use this word for the hope of raising their readers and viewers' excitement, which guarantees an increase in their sales records. He confirms that so far there is no intention for conducting early parliamentary or presidential elections. He made it clear that the stage is not being set for the arrival of Gamal Mubarak, and that all of this is just gossip and sayings that are very far from the truth.
Majalla: During this period, there is much talk about the future of governance in Egypt. Many have talked about the setting of the political arena for passing of the succession project. In your opinion, why all this talk about this subject now?
Dr Mufid Shihab: I honestly do not know the reason for this. The observer of the situation in Egypt will notice that the ordinary citizen is not concerned with this matter. Egyptian citizens are more concerned with their own private problems and affairs, such as health, education and work. Public affairs, such as parliamentary performance and the situation in Palestine and Iran, come in the second place for them. The last thing they might wish to talk about is Egypt's political future; because they know it is not worth arguing about right now. So the matter is not of interest to the ordinary citizen, but was invented by the private newspapers and satellite channels without proper justification to do so.
Majalla: But it was noted that during this period talk about the future of governance was accompanied by secret disclosures and writings about the preparation of the political arena for the implementation of the succession project?
The same newspapers and satellite channels are the ones behind such disclosures and writings. They focus on this matter and forget all the other things that are of interest to the Egyptians. It's as if 80 million Egyptians have nothing to worry about except this issue. But if they stopped for a minute and gave themselves a little time to think they will find that this subject is not a matter of importance or a topic for discussion at any level and, if some are trying to link it to the presidential elections, they must keep in mind that the time for such elections hasn't come yet. When the time comes, the NDP will nominate the candidate it deems appropriate. Other parties will also nominate the candidates they see fit. At that time, we could start talking about the future of power in Egypt, but now the political situation is stable and good. Everything is clear and obvious, and there is no need for discussion or debate whatsoever.
Majalla: Are there hidden sources of information within the party or the government that leaked this information?
There are no such sources. But unfortunately there are those who have an interest in causing confusion. They are always looking for journalistic sensation.
Majalla: But the object of sensation this time is Gamal Mubarak?
Yes, because it is an issue that is sure to guarantee the highest level of excitement and attract the largest number of readers and viewers.
Majalla: Let me ask you frankly. Is the stage now being prepared for Gamal Mubarak?
What Stage? This kind of talk is illogical and completely untrue. The NDP does not think about such a thing. It was never discussed at any level; officially or unofficially. Any talk about this subject is nothing more than guessing and speculation. Also, the time is not appropriate for talking about subjects related to the presidential elections.
Majalla: Even though the presidential elections will be held in less than two years?
This is a very long period. It does not justify talking about anything regarding the presidential elections. When the time comes, and the date for elections approaches, then it might be suitable to open the door for discussion about this issue. I do not know why these people are trying to rush events. They insist on forcing us to open the files of certain issues ahead of schedule. If we are not talking about the Shura Council elections, with only 7 months remaining before its starting date, is it reasonable to talk about the presidential elections now.
Majalla: The insistence on talking about it now, is due to the statements made by a number of NDP leaders. They asserted that 2011 is the "decisive year", it was understood that they meant that it was the year for settling the presidential issue?
What they meant by "The decisive year" is that there is a lot of elections that will be held next year; the mid-term Shura Council elections in April, and after that the parliamentary elections in November. That’s what all these statements mean, and they mean nothing else. But, as usual, there are those who try to find something that is not there. They conclude what they like to be the truth.
Majalla: Have things reached a point where those who talk about the succession file confirm the existence of rival wings within the ruling National Democratic Party on this matter?
I am surprised by those who claim to know what's going on inside the party, even though they do not know anything. In all the time I have worked in the NDP, I did not feel that we are two wings divided on the issue, despite the differences we might have regarding some small details. A party with different approaches can not be considered a real party. Also, words like the old guard and the new guard have become repugnant and senseless words.
Majalla: Speaking about allegations, it has also been said that the NDP has made a secret deal with the Muslim Brotherhood to pass the succession project in return for allowing them to enter the parliament?
This is a kind of hollow talk. No sane person with a balanced mind can imagine it even being said. First of all, the succession illusion, as I have said before, does not exist except in the minds of those who try to make it an issue. The second thing is that the NDP does not recognize the Brotherhood. They are an illegal organization, and the NDP has a principle of not dealing with illegal organizations. It is inconceivable that the majority party might enter into a dialogue with an illegal organization. What is conceivable, on the other hand, is that the NDP will deal with this organization in accordance with the law. Safwat Al-Sharif, The Party Secretary General, denied the existence of any kind of deals between the party and the illegal organization of the "Muslim Brotherhood". And, if such a deal was ever made it will be null and void, and totally invalid.
Majalla: The other side believes that the NDP has made an agreement with some of the opposition parties to give them the seats of the Muslim Brotherhood in the parliament in return for helping the party legalize the succession project?
Despite such irresponsible talk, the normal situation is that only legitimate organizations and political parties should be allowed to have seats in the parliament. So, in the context of supporting a multi-party system and seeking a more tangible presence of other parties, I think that the NDP has taken a positive step in this regard. It should be interpreted as a good thing rather than a prelude to an evil plot that is being orchestrated in the dark, as some ill- intentioned people might like to think. The NDP does not work in secret. It believes that political parties should do their work under the eyes of the public, and not in secrecy. The national movement to support legitimate parties has been declared publicly. If anyone wants to ascertain this or has any doubts regarding it, he should ask the opposition parties themselves. Do these parties accept to take part in such sinister deals? Surely, the NDP cannot accept to be involved in such dirty games, as the other legal opposition parties can not accept to do so themselves.
Majalla: So it was not in the party's intention to get rid of the Muslim Brotherhood in the parliament?
We do not exclude anybody, but our goal is to make the parliament seats available only for legitimate organizations. In order to have a reasonable majority in a multi-party community, we must be more efficient. I think that the majority party has an indirect duty towards partisan political life. Its duty is to increase the representation of parties in order to make them more effective.
Majalla: What do you mean by a reasonable majority?
A majority like that found in all parliaments; between 60, 65 and 80 per cent
Majalla: Is there a possibility of early elections, whether parliamentary or presidential?
All elections will be held according to schedule; The Shura Council renewal elections in next April, the parliamentary elections in November of the same year; and then the presidential elections in 2011.
Majalla: There has been talk about the possibility of President Mubarak calling for early presidential elections.
President Mubarak did not announce anything in this regard. He did not talk about it. So, I have no answer for your question.
Majalla: Are you comfortable with Egypt's political future or concerned about it?
Both. My concern is justifiable and does not mean a lack of trust. It is a positive concern. Egypt is facing severe challenges during the coming period, and I hope that the reform process does not get hindered by the conspiracies of the domestic and foreign powers trying to undermine it.
Majalla: Some promoters of the succession scenario are talking about a vague or bad image of Egypt's future. Some of them even think that things might amount to a revolution?
First of all these people have build their perception on an illusion they invented and want to believe in. Second, their wishes of violence erupting in Egypt will not come true for two reasons, firstly there is nothing happening in Egypt that might lead to acts of violence and secondly, the good people of Egypt are kind people who hate violence and prefer to live safely and peacefully.
Ahmed Ayoub
