What president Morsi lacks and what he needs to do!?

At this moment, new Egyptian president, Mohamed Morsi, seems to enjoy some clear popularity and political support as well as some strong opposition. Therefore, he needs to think twice before acting and make sure that his policies are well understood by his people and supporters before his opponents. To that extent, here are three pieces of advice. 

First advice: President Morsi has to be more open about how he makes his decisions and who advises him. At this moment, his publically known advisors are very few (may be less than 5). It is not clear how he makes his decision or whom he consults with and if his decisions are well discussed ahead. 

His latest decree to reinstate the dissolved People’s Assembly seemed like a surprise to most including some of his close political allies and it is not yet clear how it was made or to where is it leading!?  

Second advice: Morst has to activate the political coalition surrounding him, the national front, which is a big coalition and it is multi party and ideological one. However, the national front seemed surprised with Morsi’s latest decree like anyone else. The front supported the parliament decree few hours it was issued, but at this moment it is not clear what role if any the national front played in advising Morsi and if it is even a coalition.

Third advice: Morsi has to provide people with a clear vision for the future of their country especially when it comes to dealing with issues like the economy, the new cabinet, and the relationship with SCAF and deep state institutions. At this moment, people and markets in Egypt seem to lack a vision for the future. Morsi, his party, and his advisors, did not offer much when it comes to concrete future policies. 

For example, today’s visit to Saudi Arabia by Morsi is creating some backlash within pro revolution and pro Morsi media and experts circles. Some doubt its timing and justification. Some are wondering why would Morsi visit a foreign country before having a cabinet and why Saudi Arabia and not another state like Sudan or Ethiopia, where Egypt needs to urgently work on building better relations to protect its water resources. It is clear from people’s questions that the trip was not explained by Morsi’s and his party to some of their closest supporters. 

Finally, confusion will hurt the new president as it hurt the new parliament before. If policies are not well prepared and explained to people they will end up failing, misunderstood, or under recognized. 

Morsi need to start with some house organizing and to work harder on explaining his policies. He now enjoys some clear support from a wider pro revolution coalition, but he has to cement such coalition with clear and well though polices. Otherwise, he could risk losing it faster than anyone thought.

Alaa Bayoumi