(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Egyptian President Muhammad Mursi is completing hundred years in office. Hundred days is too short a period to pass judgment about a leader's performance, but it can give certain indicators about the future performance.
Mursi has taken over at a turbulent and critical period in Egypt's history. For the same reason, the expectations are very high, and a failure to deliver on the promises he mad can create both dissatisfaction and dissent. Initial reports from the country say that reactions are mixed. While some say that he has been able to make a good beginning and can build on it in the coming days, others believe nothing has changed and the status quo is likely to continue. The international community and regional leaders too are waiting and watching, and are hesitating to jump into any conclusions.
During election campaign, Morsi had prepared a 64-point plan to provide quick solutions to the country's chronic problems and make life easy for his people. He had promised action within 100 days in office and the issues he listed included traffic, security, waste disposal, bread and fuel etc. According to a group monitoring his performance, he had fully achieved four points and started work on 24 others in the list since taking office on June 30. An online survey said 43 percent of respondents were satisfied with his achievements.
One of the biggest challenges for the president to draft a constitution that reflects the values and status of the state and protects all its communities. The new constitution will define his powers and also that of the elected parliament. His supporters are saying one reason he hasn't achieved much is that he is waiting for the constitution. He does not intend to usurp the powers of others, particularly parliament, they say. At the same time, critics say this means the people will have to wait for a long time, which is very harmful for the country's economy and stability. The country is going through a political paralysis and the economy is in intensive care. Egyptians are suffering prolonged power cuts and there is fuel shortage. Food prices have soared and lives have become tougher. If the president fails to find solutions to these problems immediately, people's patience will run out and they will come out onto the streets.
On foreign policy, Mursi has tried to follow a path different from Hosni Mubarak. Relations with Israel are not good and Washington hasn't been very happy with the new leader. He wants to restore the rightful place for Egypt and wants to take an independent stance on issues, which is not influenced by outside forces.
Perhaps, the president could have tried to instill more confidence in Egyptians about his leadership.
