Egyptian writer and politician Mahmoud Muslim, a member of the Senate, stressed that the interest in local councils should start from the stage of preparation and qualification. This involves selecting and preparing cadres that possess the knowledge, experience, and ability to communicate with citizens and understand their needs. According to Muslim, this stage is the foundation for any successful local work.
Muslim made these remarks during a symposium organized by the Homeland Protectors Party in Ismailia Governorate, titled "Qualification and Readiness for Local Councils." The event took place at the Egypt Public Library and was attended by Dr. Mohamed Sheikha, the party's general secretary in the governorate, and other party leaders and members. The symposium highlighted the importance of local councils in supporting the local administration system and monitoring services.
The writer emphasized that having effective local councils requires qualified elements that understand the nature of their oversight and service roles. He pointed out that the oversight role of local councils is no less important than their service role, as they monitor the performance of executive bodies, convey the voice of citizens, and propose solutions to problems. Muslim called for the separation of local administration from local councils, as the former is an executive body and the latter is an elected or popular political faction that oversees the local administration.
Muslim noted that local councils in Egypt comprise over 50,000 members who can convey the state's message to the people and reflect public opinion. He argued that the absence of local councils would lead to social media filling the gap, which can be problematic due to the unclear origin of information on these platforms. According to Muslim, local councils activate parties and political life, and their preparation for local elections contributes to activating party work and increasing political participation.
The writer stressed that early preparation for local elections allows parties to test their cadres on the ground, organize training and qualification programs, and engage in direct dialogue with citizens. This, in turn, increases political awareness and encourages new groups, especially young people, to participate in public life. Muslim emphasized the importance of competition and selection based on the rules and regulations set by law to ensure that qualified cadres assume responsibilities.
Muslim concluded that commitment to the law is the only guarantee for selecting elements capable of bearing responsibility and that fair competition based on efficiency and knowledge leads to the emergence of strong local councils that can improve services and serve citizens. He highlighted the role of local councils in solving small problems and alleviating the burden on parliament members.
The Homeland Protectors Party's symposium aimed to raise awareness about the importance of local councils and the need for qualified cadres to ensure their effectiveness. The event provided a platform for discussion and exchange of ideas on the role of local councils in promoting good governance and citizen participation.
Key points
- Preparing qualified cadres is essential for effective local councils.
- Local councils play a crucial role in monitoring services and overseeing local governance.
- Early preparation for local elections is vital for activating party work and increasing political participation.
