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The People, The Constitution, and the Dominion of the Nation Assiut University Forum

Under the auspices of Dr Mostafa M. Kamal, President of Assiut University, the Centre for Human Rights Research and Studies (CHRRS), together with the Centre for Egyptian Women Affairs (CEWA), organized a forum on the topic: "The People, The Constitution, and the Dominion of the Nation." Dr. Essam Al Zanaati (CHRRS) Director declared that the forum aims at defining the motives and justifications on which attitudes towards accepting or rejecting the Constitution are decided. It also discusses the various positions of the authority that undertakes the task of writing the Constitution. Likewise, the forum provided information on the proposed draft of the constitution from more than one source so as to offer proper opportunity for all views and visions to be conveyed. Mr. Ahmed Al Assiuti, Lawyer at the Centre for Arab Women Affairs, indicated that the project of the Constitution represents the present and future of every citizen on this country particularly at this critical period during which the Egyptian Society suffers great division, polarizations, and attempts of power practice to impose individual viewpoints. For this reason, it becomes necessary for every specialized authority to adopt a strategy for explaining related issues and clarifying the shortcoming in the constitution in hope to attain the best form possible. On his part, Mr. Hani Al Gibaali, a scholar specialized in Constitutions, asserted that Egypt has got a vast experience in this field. He also assured the significance of the constitution as the fundamental law which identifies the organization of the country and its ruling system, coordinates the work and responsibilities of state authorities, and declares human rights and duties. He also added that the writing of constitutions must be undertaken in a state of political tranquility, away from any political conflicts or struggles because such political struggle and drives for authority lead to bad intentions and dishonest aims among the struggling powers; a matter that contradicts the desired national accordance, agreement, participation and unification over one definite aim which are vital requirements for the writing of constitution. Besides, all societal categories, classes, and marginalized groups must be represented. It is worth noting that the forum handled and discussed the most disputable articles through questions from the attendees and answers to propose an ideal texture of the constitution articles. The participants have come to the conclusion that the referendum on the constitution project is not related to choice between civil or religious state, but rather a choice between democracy and despotism.