AMONG the angry reactions to Omar Suleiman, the former vice-president and head of the intelligence agency entering the presidential race, El-Wassat (moderate) Party has called for amending the presidential elections law. The intention is to include an article banning any members of the Mubarak regime from taking part in the presidential election for the coming 10 years. Cairo - The suggestion made by the parliamentarian Essam Sultan met the opposition of some experts in constitutional law, who believe that the suggested draft law to politically exclude symbols of the former regime does not accord with the constitutional declaration. However, Sultan, along with many other politicians including some presidential candidates, seems very persistent in seeking a way to combat any remnants of Mubarak's regime reaching the presidential seat. It is quite logical to see different parties united behind that goal to protect the January Revolution, which was intended to topple Mubarak's regime and not just replacing the man with one of his aides. It is even the duty of the first fairly elected parliament after the end to the totalitarian corrupt regime of Mubarak to issue legislation to protect the revolution's gains and fulfil its goals. The revolutionaries kept pressurising the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to issue a law preventing remnants of the Mubarak regime and members of his dissolved National Democratic Party (NDP) to participate in the parliamentary elections. Eventually, SCAF submitted to the public pressure, after a series of demonstrations, by issuing a law in this respect. However, this came after these former statespersons managed to change their skins and form other parties through which they get to the parliamentary race. Fortunately, the Egyptians were wise enough not to enable these former NDP members top win seats in Parliament. However, could one rely on the people's choice now in excluding a presidential candidate belonging to the Mubarak regime and the military institution from occupying the presidential residency at the first of July? It is true that the majority of Egyptians do not favour having an Islamist on head of the state. However, it is also unacceptable to see the great revolution of January 25, which stunned the world with its peacefulness and discernment, end up with the first post-revolutionary president being the former vice-president or premier of Mubarak. Nevertheless, the state of chaos that has hit the country and affected the social peace of the citizens might drive some to choose a man with a strong fist to restore order, even if at the cost of their freedom. Herein lies the significance of issuing legislation to curb some symbols of the toppled regime from competing in the presidential race.
