euronews interview – Constitution ‘divisive’ says Egyptian opposition’s Hamdeen Sabahy

http://www.euronews.com/ Stability is in short supply in Egypt. The election of the Muslim Brotherhood and the recent vote on a new constitution has split the country and many are now concerned for the future.

Hamdeen Sabahy is a former presidential candidate and opposition leader. He is critical of the new government of Mohammed Mursi and the content of new constitution.

He spoke to euronews’ correspondent Mohammed Shaikhibrahim:

“How do you see the results of the recent referendum?”

Hamdeen Sabahy:
“This constitution has failed to unite Egyptians. It did not get the necessary approval, which would have guaranteed a compatible constitution. It is therefore a constitution that is divisive rather than being a constitution of national assembly, an inclusive, mutual, national project.”

Mohammed Shaikhibrahim, euronews:
“Mr. Hamdeen, democracy means one must accept the outcome of the vote?”

Hamdeen Sabahy:
“Yes, democracy means that and we respect the results, but with one essential condition, which is the integrity of the referendum. Democracy is not just a means to access power, it is a way of practising this power. It looks like the power in Egypt has been decided by democratic means, but the one who is in power now wants to destroy the stairway that lifted him to power and to tear it down. This individual now has a solid grip on power.”

Mohammed Shaikhibrahim, euronews:
“Are we to understand that the Muslim Brotherhood has fabricated the results of the referendum?”

Hamdeen Sabahy:
“Yes, this constitution, which was supervised by the Muslim Brotherhood government, is full of flaws and breaches and violations, which question the integrity of this referendum.”

Mohammed Shaikhibrahim, euronews:
“Can you give us some articles of the constitution which are at the centre of the conflict between the opposition and the presidency?”

Hamdeen Sabahy:
“This constitution has given the opportunity for basic rights to be abused, especially freedom of speech, opinion and creativity, by stipulating the freedoms that should be practised under what it calls the basic rules of the state and society.
This raises a question for those who misinterpret Islamic sharia law and use it crush freedom. Now, the same people are the majority and they abuse Islam and sharia. They see this as a restrictive tool, unlike us. These people are now using the Islamic law as a tool to threaten liberties, to discriminate and spread hate. They are at the centre of political life. They can use these articles of the constitution in a negative way that could offend Islam, sharia, freedom and the nation of Egypt.”

Mohammed Shaikhibrahim, euronews:
“You have spoken of the popular momentum to tear down the constitution’s declaration and Egypt’s new draft constitution, but the turnout did not exceed thirty percent How do you explain that?”

Hamdeen Sabahy:
“Simple, the Egyptian people now have a deeper crisis, which is how to live and to eat. Many Egyptians believe that the controversy and political dispute comes at the expense of providing opportunities for a decent life, jobs and development and this is certainly true. That is why they are reluctant to participate in what they see as a kind of obstacle to stability, a stability that will enable the provision of decent and fair economic conditions and a better social life.”

Mohammed Shaikhibrahim, euronews:
“Hamdeen Sabahy, you have been accused by your political opponents of having a lust for power and your defeat at the polls means you are not in government. Do you agree?”

Hamdeen Sabahy:

“I am not greedy for power, and it was not an individual desire to run in the elections. I have no intention to run again in the future, unless the Egyptian national movement sees my candidacy as serving the national interest, only in that case would I run in future elections
In any case I do not see that power in Egypt is something to desire, but if it is a collective decision I will accept it, it is not an individual thing for me.”

Mohammed Shaikhibrahim, euronews:
“The victims of the bloodshed in front of the presidential palace were from the Muslim Brotherhood is that right?”

Hamdeen Sabahy:
“It is not true this is false information.”

Mohammed Shaikhibrahim, euronews:
“The Muslim brotherhood claim that.”

Hamdeen Sabahi:
“The claim is incorrect and they have no proof.”

Mohammed Shaikhibrahim, euronews:
“Were the weapons used during the violence fired by the armed militia of the Muslim Brotherhood as the opposition claim?”

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