Submitted by: David Yang, USAID Office of Democracy & Governance
Photo credit: MAHMUD HAMS / AFP
For the past two months, USAID has responded rapidly to the historic events in Egypt. We are pivoting our existing portfolio of 36 democracy programs implemented by Egyptian, U.S. and international organizations to support the new opportunity.
During the protests, our partners deployed observers throughout the country to report on the democratic movement, provided legal and humanitarian aid to protesters and detainees, and disseminated information to local communities so that those not directly involved in the demonstrations could participate in the debate on political reform.
In support of the referendum on constitutional amendments, USAID’s partners trained domestic election observers and conducted media campaigns to encourage voter participation, especially among youth and women. Looking to the future, USAID grantees are advising at least 30 new political parties that aspire to contest the parliamentary and presidential elections later this year.
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Transforming political apathy into political aptitude must be the top priority of USAID’s efforts to assist the transition of power. Young Egyptians have long been absent from civil discourse because the Mubarak regime skillfully marginalized opposition yet managed to maintain the faint illusion that the opportunity for reform existed. The political vacuum has mobilized thousands of Egyptians who had little or no political engagement prior to the revolution. As these people continue to advocate policy changes, demand trial and punishment for former officials, and eventually elect new leadership, it is imperative that they understand how the Egyptian political process worked prior to Mubarak’s resignation and how it should work in order to capitalize on the opportunity for a fair and open government. Increased knowledge will enable young Egyptians to recognize the practicality and limits of their demands, as well as allow them to elect leadership that best understands the needs of the Egyptian state.