Mercy for Morsi

Egypt is a headache for democracy supporters worldwide.

We enjoy free elections.

President Mohamed Morsi,
who won the election, was overthrown by a military coup.
We don’t like that.

At the same time, we supported the 17 million secular Egyptians demonstrating against Morsi, even though they are a minority in a country with more than 80 million inhabitants.

If democracy is merely a way to elect the leader, large groups will be oppressed; but there are tools in a modern democracy for the extended right to take part in politics. Everyone can do it, but most are not interested. Voting has three alternatives: yes, no – or the most comfortable; to abstain. Even if a majority abstains, a decision must be valid, as long as everyone is informed and have the right to vote.

My view is that President Morsi should be reinstated, but his power should be restricted. There should be a public debate and the activists should be rewarded with greater influence. For example: if a ten-million-minority protest against a new resolution a popular referendum should be held.

Although the military may have the best intentions, they’re better to stay away from politics. Arguments and votes should be political weapons rather than soldiers and arms.