The announcement by Egypt’s Supreme Judicial Committee for Elections that 98.1 percent of eligible voters said “yes” for the new constitution in January may be viewed as illegitimate by Islamists, but signals that the majority of Egyptians support the country’s current leadership and the post-Morsi future roadmap.

The referendum marked the first time that Egyptians turned out to vote since the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi by the military last July after violent protests against his one-year rule and his Muslim Brotherhood organization.

By voicing an overwhelming “yes” to a new constitution, the demands of the Egyptian masses have paved the way for improved political and economic conditions, wherein new leadership can unite the country.

However, despite the huge voter support, the referendum’s integrity was challenged by opposition members and rights campaigners. They say that a climate of fear and intimidation clouded the poll and campaigning for a “no” vote was prohibited.

The country’s new constitution strengthens the country’s three most important institutions – the military, the police and the judiciary, and gives more rights to women. Parties constituted on a “religious, gender, ethnic or geographical” basis are not allowed under the new constitution, which will ensure that the Muslim Brotherhood, which effectively won five polls between 2011 and 2013, is side-lined for the foreseeable future.

One of the most interesting observations of the referendum outcome is the pending response of the African Union (AU). Observers query whether the AU will adhere to its suspension of Egypt, arguing that there has been no “real” change and no return to democracy since the July 2013 coup. Another school of thought argues that the AU may see that the referendum result does indeed signal the return to a democratic process, opening the door to lifting the suspension.

Clearly the outcome of the referendum does not only indicate the Egyptian people’s approval of the constitution, but also shows support for Egypt’s army chief and Defense Minister Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his military-outlined roadmap. Sisi has said that “if the people demand it and the army gives him a mandate,” he will run for president. The result now justifies his candidacy in upcoming presidential elections, which along with parliamentary polls, are likely to take place within the next six months. The announcement of these polls may be used for Egypt’s interim leadership to seek resumption of Western support and reinstatement into the AU.

The United States has already agreed to reinstate its $1.5 billion in military and economic aid to Egypt, on the condition that the Egyptian Government takes steps toward restoring democracy with a democratic transition and democratic elections.

Conflict weary Egyptians have suffered through three years of often ferocious turmoil since the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak in January 2011, and look to their new constitution and the coming presidential elections in 2014 as a year of greater security and stability for their country.

THE EDITOR