Maher Abbas Saudi GazetteCAIRO — It is almost 20 days since Mohamed Morsi was sworn in as Egypt's first democratically elected president. With the advent of the new leader, Egyptians were hoping to herald a new dawn. However, as the many strikes, demonstrations and sit-ins demonstrate, the general mood on the street is one of disenchantment and frustration. A case in point is the speculation revolving around the imminent announcement of the new prime minister. The names being touted include Mahmoud Abu Al-Aioun — former governor of the Egyptian Central Bank — and prominent banker Farouk Al-Aukda. Other rumors doing the rounds include the possibility of President Morsi appointing himself as prime minister. The media — sensing the apparent dejection of the people — have already started labeling Morsi as the “Lost President". In his defense, Morsi is not helped by the political feuding going on behind closed doors as the various power brokers try to jockey for position. Moreover, the Egyptian people feel disenfranchised having spent all their energy on the drive to rid their nation of Hosni Mubarak's regime. Rarely do people realize that time, effort and investment are essential ingredients in building a nation. The eve of Ramadan promises to be a crucial day in the Middle East's newest democracy. The Council of State — chaired by judicial consultant Abdul Salam Al-Najar — is hearing the petitions of 29 citizens against two of the most symbolic decisions made by Morsi since he took office: Reinstatement of the dissolved assembly and fresh polls to ratify the new constitution. The hearings take on an added complexity as the Constitutional Court — the highest judicial authority — has already upheld the president's decision. With so many crucial factors riding on Morsi's ability to make good his election promises, the immediate future poses many challenges. As he takes up residence in his new presidential palace — which in itself will require a huge effort as there are many disgruntled people squatting on the grounds — Morsi must act fast to restore the faith of the Egyptian people.
