People’s Supreme Will

The Year 2011 is already history to many unfolding events around the world, some of them very significant as well as unexpected. The overthrow of the old order in Tunisia, the massive protests in Egypt and ordinary people taking to the streets in other Arab States is starting to shake the establishment in these countries. There is uncertainty over the outcome of these protests. But everywhere the common aspiration of people seems to be for change. Without going into the details of the political history of these countries, the biggest lesson that we can learn from this latest outpouring of public sentiment is the fact that it is the will of the people which is supreme, although many rulers have failed to recognize this. Only now the ruling elite in these Arab countries are waking up to the reality of people’s power. A figure like President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt was the undisputed leader. He may not have been a brutal dictator like some of his other peers of his time, yet he assumed the role of God who was infallible. He acted on his own without the mandate of the people. But suddenly after the protests took a serious turn, Mr Mubarak is taking steps to make key appointments to share power. For a establishment which has ruled for so many years, the latest initiative from the top is too little too late. People are not impressed with the steps he has taken. The time is nearing for either Mubarak to step down honourably or he would have to do things as per the aspiration of people, which may involve substantial political reforms.
 
It seems that the fearless rulers in the Arab world are feeling insecure by people’s power. If President Mubarak had done too little to assuage people’s feelings, at least his counterpart the King of Jordan sensing the sentiment of people has dismissed his entire cabinet i.e. his government. A new Prime Minister will be given the task to take swift and tangible steps to start “a real political reform process”. Also in response to the mood sweeping the region, in the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority announced it would hold local elections, postponed last year, “as soon as possible.” Whether the King of Jordan, the Palestinian Authority or the other rulers in the region will succeed in making meaningful changes that is tune with people’s aspiration, the fact of the matter remains, the will of the people is supreme and no ruler can ignore this. What is happening across the Arab world is a good lesson for those who rule over their people. Do not take people’s support and power for granted.
 
However a word of caution here, the desire for change and the demonstration of people’s power should be non-violent, democratic and orderly. Further if real change has to come about, people should be wary about who takes over. People’s movement for change should not be used to prop up either religious extremists or other vested interest people and groups. In order to achieve real functioning democracy, the focus should not only be on changing persons but also the structure including strengthening of the executive, judiciary and legislative branches of government. Also of crucial importance will be the eternal vigilance that will have to continue to be performed by the people. Many times despotic rule come to stay because of the failure of people to participate in the political process. Only an active citizenry can mobilize themselves in order to voice grievances and demand accountability from those who lead. Vigilance on the part of the people must continue.

(This editorial was written before the announcement by President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt to step down)