(MENAFN - Jordan Times) The Egyptians have a new president: Mohammed Mursi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate.
The main problem was not the election, but the attitude of the two conflicting political streams, which wanted to win or fight in every possible way those who win.
These are not the values of modern democracy; they are Arab historical, cultural and political values that usually consider the strong party as a legitimate ruler and opponents as outcasts.
We, in the Arab world, still draw from a different political experience, which led us into the deep political crisis of today.
It is hoped now that the political confrontation and rivalry will not continue to build up because if it does, it is bound to divide and harm the Egyptian people and lead to the worst.
Egypt is still divided between a decaying regime and a newborn political system. All parties are apprehensive of the future. Even with one side winning the election, the crisis may continue.
Almost half of the electorate power, or half of the population, elected a different party, and there is no sign of political reconciliation, which is usually based either on power sharing - which seems unlikely at the moment in Egypt - or on recognising and respecting the political opponents.
Revolutionary groups insist on banishing their opponent from political life, as enemies of the revolution.
It is the responsibility of the new president, and the rising Muslim Brotherhood Movement in Egypt, to find a way out of the political mess, by adopting a serious initiative to reconcile the conflicting political streams and the divided nation.
The Muslim Brotherhood should choose the right way to rule a secure Egypt. If it opts to rule by its guidebook and strict methods, ignoring other political parties or antagonising them, that might lead to more conflict.
The movement would be wise to rule through a flexible democratic system that reconciles all political parties and social groups who fear the dominance of a religious party.
The Muslim Brotherhood cannot ignore or eliminate the role of the army at this stage, not before it gives a good leadership example that helps it gain the confidence of the people and proves that it has chosen democracy, civil state and reconciliation.
Those who prefer to dictate their will in politics might win a round in a political struggle, but they could lose the political battle in the end if they continue to ignore other voices.
There is still a good chance to heal the wounds of Egypt with tolerance, wisdom and real national reconciliation. This need integrity, national commitment and courage.
The writer is former minister of information and media expert. He contributed this article to The Jordan Times.
