The supporters of Muslim Brotherhood clashed with a group of oppositions in the Eskandaria city of Egypt where police were forced to use tear gases to disperse people. Indeed the society has become familiar with tense demonstrations which often lead to clashes. Same is the case with the use of tear gas and firings of plastic bullets to disperse civilians. Now it is feared that continuation of such insecurity and uncertainty will lead to further widening the gap between already deeply divided Egyptian society on the basis of pro and anti-Muslim Brotherhood.
The new round of political chaos started when, after the outstation of former President Hosni Mobarak, people stood against military who were blamed of trying to tighten grasp over the political destiny. Since then incidents one after other pulled people to the streets, particularly, Tahrir square to voice out anger over what they deem efforts to ruin their democratic achievements.
Frequently people marched to protest against Islamist President and alert him of possible moves to monopolize the power. The situation turned much critical when President Morsi promulgated decree assuming sweeping power last month.
The decision was widely interpreted as efforts of President Morsi to undermine the democratic process and establish, what oppositions called, an Islamic government. Series of demonstrations and clashes among supporters and oppositions brought about President's retreat and compromise with oppositions. Meanwhile oppositions were also demanding for the reschedule of referendum over the draft of new constitution whose draft was prepared by parliament where Muslim Brotherhood has overwhelming presence.
Oppositions argue that draft was prepared in hurry and the rights of Egyptian minorities were not well recognized. Thus, its draft should once again be reviewed and it becomes more open and comprises the rights of minorities.
It was so difficult to for President to comprise over the issue while oppositions did not have anything to deal with him. The insistence of his decree definitely damaged the tight unity among opposition political parties. Demonstrators started hesitating to continue with their severe and inflexible position or step back. Such a confusing environment among them motivated President Morsi to continue with his referendum plan.
The first round of referendum was held on December 15 and the constitution draft was approved by voters however with not an eye-catching difference with oppositions. It is also likely that Muslim Brotherhood once again succeed in the second round of referendum. But the prospective remains blurred and progress of uncertainty will prove politically and economically consequential.