The Egyptian 25 January Revolution at Year One: Challenges and opportunities in the transition towards democracy

The Egyptian Revolution recently passed its first anniversary, and the country now finds itself on the road towards democracy. Promisingly, parliamentary elections have taken place, a new constitution will be drafted in due course, and presidential elections are in sight. However, Egypt's new government faces a number of challenges, such as delivering a constitution that guarantees equality, and implementing necessary reforms. The international community can constructively support this phase of the transition, but its policy should be underpinned by: a willingness to connect with all new actors in the political field; a focus on the role of civil society groups and their function in democracy; and conscientious account taken of shifting regional alliances.