Mohammed Anwar El-Sadat, a former Egyptian politician and parliamentarian, has proposed that the president appoint one or two deputies to prepare them for potential future elections. This suggestion was made during a meeting with intellectuals, party leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss the president's recent initiative. El-Sadat emphasized that the meeting did not focus on specific candidates, and that discussing names was premature.
El-Sadat explained that his proposal stems from the president's concerns about the country's challenges and his desire to ensure a smooth transition of power. He believes that the president's initiative is driven by a sense of responsibility to the nation, rather than an attempt to influence the outcome of future elections. El-Sadat's proposal involves providing the deputies with practical training, enabling them to gain experience and build a connection with the Egyptian people.
The proposed deputies would be tasked with assisting the president and gaining experience over the remaining years of his term. El-Sadat suggested that they could be given specific responsibilities to prepare them for potential future elections. This approach, he believes, would allow them to develop a deeper understanding of the country's issues and build a strong connection with the citizens.
El-Sadat rejected the idea that appointing deputies would predetermine the next president, citing the 2012 elections as an example. He noted that, despite having several candidates, the outcome was uncertain until the last minute. El-Sadat mentioned former presidential candidates Amr Moussa and Ahmed Shafik as examples of experienced individuals who could have been considered for the role.
El-Sadat emphasized that having well-prepared deputies could be beneficial for the country, as they would be familiar with the inner workings of the presidency and have a strong understanding of the country's challenges. He suggested that the president could choose the deputies as early as January and that they could continue to work with the administration for an extended period.
El-Sadat acknowledged that the deputies' connection with the Egyptian people could influence voters' perceptions, but stressed that a fair and competitive election process is essential. He called for all state institutions and agencies to maintain a neutral stance and ensure equal opportunities for all candidates.
El-Sadat highlighted the importance of state institutions and agencies working in the best interests of the country, rather than serving the interests of a particular individual or group. He emphasized that the president's authority and message should promote fairness and equal opportunities for all candidates.
Key points
- El-Sadat proposes that the president appoint deputies to prepare them for potential future elections.
- The deputies would receive practical training and gain experience over the remaining years of the president's term.
- El-Sadat emphasizes the importance of a fair and competitive election process.
