We the U.S. citizens and residents who are originally from Egypt are following the events in that country, where the people are demanding change. We are confident that the Egyptian people are capable of establishing a true democracy in Egypt, and of presenting a reputable model for democratic behavior at the civil society level of unions, professional associations, parliamentary elections, or presidential elections. This requires establishing an environment free of repressive actions, interference by security forces and the mass media that are mobilized against the people every time an election is held.

We follow with anticipation the recent political developments in Egypt, especially the political awareness and the active popular voices demanding broad political reforms that will release the latent energy of the people to build their lives and their beloved country. However, we are alarmed by the attempts of the authorities to obstruct and derail the path of the Egyptian people, who seek the establishment of a true democratic system, one that will allow the peaceful change of political power according to the will of the people and their path.

It is becoming clear that the promise to change article 76 of the Constitution has turned into an empty ploy without hope for political reform or change. The Egyptian authorities have crippled the conditions for those desirous of running for presidency, curtailed peaceful demonstrations or gatherings, eliminated or obstructed peaceful political activities, thwarted the formation of new political parties, and continued to monopolize the media in Egypt to serve the current power circle. In brief, instead of promoting democracy, the current regime has reinforced its grip on power and its heavy handedness in suffocating the nation’s right to elect its own leaders honestly.

In light of all the abovementioned developments, we demand:

1. Abolishing the emergency laws and similar laws that restrict the rights of expression, organization and peaceful assembly.
2. Releasing all political prisoners, and clearing the way for all political entities to participate equally in political activities.
3. Removing all restrictions on establishing political parties, and on the right of individuals to run for offices including the newly prohibitive amendment of Article 76 on potential candidates for the presidential elections.
4. Amending the Constitution to limit the number of terms for a president to two, and reducing his/her privileges by being accountable to the elected representatives in the National Assembly, and allowing all candidates equal access to all the state-owned radio and television outlets during the election campaign.
5. Immediate response to the demands of the Egyptian judges to attain their constitutional right to supervise the entire presidential election process and to function as a totally independent branch of the government. This will require establishing a separate justice police unit that is responsible to the Egyptian courts system (independent of the Ministry of Interior), whose role is to support court functions including the supervision of elections.
6. Opening the door for registration for those who wish to vote to chose among the candidates and allowing the millions of expatriates (including Egyptian Americans) to vote through the Egyptian embassies abroad.
7. Facilitating a transition period– whose processes are transparent– to enable the Egyptian people to form a new political system; establish their political parties, and get involved in genuine competition to elect their representatives.
8. Encouraging independent citizens and neutral public leaders, who are historically respected across the nation to spearhead the transition period efforts until a legal framework is established.
9. Urging the armed forces and the police authority in Egypt to abstain from brutality and repression of citizens and from blind support of the ruling party. This neutral position is necessary to prevent civic disorder, violence and bloodshed.
10. Inviting international organizations to support the Egyptian people’s struggle for change and peaceful transfer from authoritarianism to a progressive and participatory system of government. This is the sure way to achieve the long-standing goals of democracy, peace, prosperity, equity, true and sound development.