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| Jubilation on Cairo's streets. Photo, Yusuf Sayman for the New York Times. |
The keen appetite for change seems not to have waned on the streets of Cairo, as millions of ordinary Egyptians have made their feelings known and their voices heard about wanting a change from Mursi, whom they have accused of arrogance and lack of a broadly inclusive government. It does not help that the economic lot of the average Egyptian has worsened under Mursi's albeit short spell as freely elected leader. The army has played its part in making the wish of a section of Egypt's populace come true, whilst insisting it has no desire for political power.
What does this mean for democracy and long term peace on Egypt's streets?... one might ask.
It is perhaps safe to say that Mohammed Mursi misjudged the mood on the streets as he sought to establish his presidency and entrench his mandate. Egypt's streets still thirsts for change to the extent that it is impatient, and what might well have worked would have been for Mursi to adopt a more nuanced approach that would have seen him be more open to negotiation, whilst continually reminding his people of the tough road ahead on the country's path to being a firmly established democracy that protects its citizens, guarantees their voice, and also creates opportunity for economic prosperity.
At this delicate moment in the history of modern Egypt however, the Egyptian people, including it's army must take steps to make sure this 'revolution' does not become open ended. The people have made their voices heard in a manner that would only have the long term effect of highlighting the immense power that lies in the hands of ordinary people to effect change, if in the immediate to medium term, it appreciates the virtue of patience and the wisdom of peaceful coexistence.
